I thought I'd post a bit about what Mom and I worked on yesterday. I have discovered that there are some people/friends/family, that may not yet know about our "100 Good Wishes Quilt" project. I'd love to fill everyone in, and ask for contributions please. Here is what I've learned:
There is a tradition in northern China to welcome new babies with a Bai Jia Bei, or "100 Good Wishes Quilt." Those who are waiting for the new arrival submit fabric and sentiment to the new parents and then all of the material is brought together to create a beautiful quilt. The baby is then said to be wrapped with all the "good wishes" and love of the people who contributed.
My cousin Laura caught wind of this tradition and offered to create a quilt for our baby. We are so excited and have started to receive fabric already. We have everything from Sponge Bob to beautiful floral patterns. Please join our efforts. Here is what you can do:
1 - Send us a piece of cotton fabric (12"- 16" square). It can be fabric you go out and buy, or it can be cut from something you already have. You can send one from your whole family, or something special from each person. It is totally up to you.
2 - Write a "wish" for the baby on a seperate piece of paper. People suggest writing a letter to the baby, advice for parents, a Bible verse, poem, memory, prayer, etc. It can be anything.
We will then take a part of the fabric and place it with your wish in a special scrapbook for the baby. Laura will piece together and quilt the remaining fabric. As our little one grows, she can read the messages in her book, look at the fabric, and know just how many people were waiting to welcome her home.
Please let us know if you have any questions or need clarification. So far, we have received about half of the 100 wishes we'd like to complete the quilt. Please consider giving us a hand with this special project. We know there are many, many people out there waiting and praying with us. Thank you for everything.
Here are some photos from yesterday. Mom and I got a head start on sorting the fabric pieces and began the memory book.
Notice the adorable ladybugs (good luck in the adoption community) on the fabric from Grandma & Grandpa Perry.
I'm not exactly happy about these next photos since I didn't really plan in being in any pictures yesterday, but Grandpa insited. :) Here we are - working hard. (P.S. - any other 916'ers recognize the basket?)
Here is how some of the pages have turned out so far:
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6 comments:
Beth said:
I'm not exactly happy about these next photos since I didn't really plan in being in any pictures yesterday...
Mom said: I didn't really plan on being in any pictures yesterday either. But, it sure was fun to spend the day working on the fabric and wishes for my new grandchild.
What a precious idea. As a Mom who has seen what a quilt can do for her children, I love this idea. Both of my children have quilts that their Grandma hand quilted for them. Even eight years later when Michael's having a hard or even a joyous day his quilt is the first thing he snuggles up with. It's something they sleep with every night. It gives me peace of mind to know that they know how much they are loved by wrapping themselves in it. Grandma just made a bigger quilt for Michael as he is getting too tall for his baby quilt. This one has Bucky the Badger on it. Michael wants to send a piece from one of his quilts your way for that special someone who will be one of the luckiest children ever to have parents like you. Thinking of you. The Nyseths
Beth I am so excited to see you working on your quilt, how much fun it is seeing all the wishes and beautiful fabrics. You are way ahead of me though ;-)
You are blessed to be able to share this project with family and friends and pass this tradition on to your child. And even more blessed to have your mother help you. It is something your daughter will always be able to cherish.
Blessings
Angie
Okay good 'cuz this tells me that I can still send you one! I am so behind on everything and feared you no longer needed more. Will do it TODAY!!
Hugs,
Alyson
Hi Beth! We are with Great Wall and LID 3/8/07! Our wait has just begun. I wondered if you'd mind sharing how you plan to assemble your daughters book. I am also working on pages for our daughter and mine are like yours with notes and fabric pieces. Thanks for the help!, and God Bless you and your family! conley_mia@yahoo.com
Hey Beth! (AND Ron) :) I love the pages you guys have made so far. I am very excited to help add to it. I can't wait.
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