Ava's 100 Good Wishes Quilt

To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or 100 Good Wishes Quilt. It is a custom to invite 100 people to contribute a single square patch of cloth. The 100 patches are then sewn together into a quilt that contains the luck, energy and good wishes from all the families and friends who contribute a piece of fabric. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation. If you would like to participate, select a machine washable, 100% cotton fabric. The fabric can be new or "used and meaningful". Please pre-wash the fabric so it will not shrink or bleed when the quilt is laundered. Cut on a 7" x 7" square fabric. In addition, glue a small patch of fabric on a 4" x 6" or 5" x 7" paper or cardstock with your wish for Ava. Your wish can be simple or elaborate-of your own words and thoughts, a favorite poem or quote. Please remember to sign your wish and include your city and state. The good wishes with the small fabric will be for a scrapbook for Ava. When she is older she will be able to match up the wishes and fabric to her quilt. The quilt will give Ava some history. She will know that while she was in a Chinese orphanage, many people thought of her. Please send me an email @ mailto:edmorechiro39@yahoo.com and let me know that you want to contribute. I will send you my mailing address. Thank you so much for helping us make this precious gift for our daughter. Your kindness and generosity means more than words can say. If you are also making a quilt for your daughter, please let me know as I would love to contribute a square.