Blessings for Genei: #70

Directions for 100 Blessings 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 sewn together into a quilt that contains the luck, energy, and good wishes from all the family and friends who contributed a piece of fabric. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation.
Here Is What We Would Like For You To Do - 1) Choose any 100% cotton fabric that you like. It just needs to have a design and color that you like. 2)We ask that the fabric is pre-washed (to prevent shrinkage). 3) Cut one 8" x 8” square from the fabric. 4) On an acid free piece of paper (so it will last a long time), attach a small piece of the fabric on the note (so she will know what piece of fabric goes to each blessing) and include your blessing (can be your own, a favorite scripture, or quote) and your name and address. The fabric will be used to make a quilt, and the notes will be placed in a a special book.
Ideas For Selecting Quilt Squares - Select a fabric that is meaningful to you. 100% cotton fabric is best, as it washes and wears better. If there are several members in your family, please feel free to send more than one blessing and piece of fabric. In China, these quilts were originally made from the garments of family and friends surrounding the child with luck and good wishes.

Please email me at alishaharter@gmail.com and I will give you our mailing address.

Thank you for helping us welcome Genei into our family. I know her quilt will be a cherished treasure.

Todd, Alisha, and the boys

Sunday, December 23, 2007