Let's Get Started!

We are so very excited to start Jaden's 100 Good Wishes Quilt!

What is a 100 Good Wishes Quilt? In the northern part of China, to welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition to make a Bai Jia Bei, or "100 Good Wishes Quilt." It is customary to invite friends and family to contribute a patch of cloth with a wish for the new child. The 100 squares are put together in a quilt that is handed down from generation to generation. The quilt is said to contain the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the family and friends.

Ok, so obviously, I don't believe in luck. However I think it's a wonderful tradition and would be a wonderful heritage for Jaden to have! I am also not a quilter...not even a seamstress. But those details can be worked out later (if you'd like to volunteer, let me know!).

As a family, we would be honored if you would participate in Jaden's quilt.

Here's what to do:
You'll need 2 pieces of fabric and a note.

Send us a 7" x 7" square piece of 100% cotton, washable fabric, pre-washed to prevent shrinkage. The fabric can come from anywhere: an old favorite piece of clothing, a piece you see in the fabric store and just love, or anywhere really. My only request is to remember that Jaden is a boy (so maybe stay away from pink!).

Along with your square of fabric, send a card or a note (not larger than 5" x 7") with an additional small piece of the same fabric attached. It can be plain and handwritten, or typed (but please sign your name to make it personal), or even scrapbook-like if you want to be creative. I'll put these in a scrapbook for Jaden so he knows who the quilt squares and good wishes came from.

What to write on the note? That is up to you! As previously said, we don't believe in luck, so if you would like it to be a prayer for Jaden, that would be wonderful. If you're more comfortable with a wish for him, it can be thought-provoking, a poem, or just something fun. It can be from your entire family, or if different family members want to contribute (like kids!) that would be great.

If you'd like to participate but you don't have our address, send me an email and I'll get it to you. I'll be posting the quilt squares and notes on this blog.

Because Jaden is hopefully coming home in August, try to get your squares to me by June 30th (or as soon as possible).

Your thoughtfulness, prayers, and good wishes mean so much to us! We know it will mean a lot to Jaden someday to. God Bless!