A Quilt of Wishes (Hardcover)

A Quilt of Wishes is a story about a tiny orphan in China who is waiting for her parents to arrive to bring her home. Her mother worries that she could be cold and alone. She decides to make a quilt for the tiny baby and sends it to her while they have to wait for the adoption paperwork to be completed. This quilt takes on a new meaning when it arrives in China. It no longer just has the purpose of keeping her warm, it now has a new meaning. It represents the love from her heritage melding with that of the love from her adoptive family. This book has many traditions woven throughout the story. 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. Traditionally, 100 squares of fabric are donated for the quilt by family and friends. Much of the time, the squares were scraps from their own worn clothing. It is said that the luck, energy and good wishes of the people who wore these clothes now surround the child when he/she is wrapped in the quilt. The quilt is then passed down from generation to generation. Another tradition comes from an ancient Chinese belief. It is said that an invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break.