Beginning a Quilt

Many people who adopt from China make their children a quilt called the 100 good wishes quilt. Although I had heard about this tradition, I did not gather quilt squares during our wait for Kate. I don't know how to sew and I worried about how I could pull one together. I also worried that I would have a quilt and not have Kate. We had an international adoption that fell through because the country changed policy. I was afraid that I might "jinx" things by making a quilt. Now that Kate Emerson is home, I would love for her to have the 100 wishes quilt.

This is how it works... 100 family members and friends (more or less) send a 9X9 quilt square and a one sided card, note or letter that has a fabric swatch (approximately 2X2) attached. In the letter or note, the friends and family write their good wishes for our daughter. We will use the fabric squares to assemble her quilt. I will put the notes with the scrap of fabric in a memory book so Kate will know who sent each square and what their wish was for her. Please e-mail me through my profile if you would like to send us a "squish" (square and wish).

People have asked about color schemes and I was very hesitant to specify anything. However, I have begun to look at fabrics for her big girl bed and I would love to use the quilt on it. So I would like muted colors of pink, green, white and cream. Below are photos of her room so you can see what will blend in. I am asking for a 9 X 9 100% cotton washed square of fabric.

I will post photos of all the squares and wishes that we receive on this blog. Thank you for helping me create this special item for Kate Emerson. Also, I have fabric squares to send to anyone who is making a quilt and would like to exchange squares and wishes. Please let me know if you are collecting too!