Some of you were my friends way back when I had my old blog - HeidiHomeschools.  You probably remember following along on our "journey to Ian".  If so, then you probably knew exactly what the title of this post meant - several of you even sent material and wishes for Ian's quilt.

To those who are newer readers, or who just met me as "Reviews by Heidi" then you may have no idea what this post is about.  It is for you that I give this explanation.......

While we were waiting to adopt Ian, I joined several Yahoo groups of families who were also waiting to adopt a baby from Vietnam.  On these groups, the members started talking about "100 Good Wishes Quilts".  At first, I had no idea what they were talking about, so I did some research and found several websites and blogs where people talked about these quilts and even shared pictures of them.  The idea behind the 100 Good Wishes Quilts was actually a Chinese tradition.  The idea is to collect 100 "wishes" (quilt squares and well wishes/prayers).  The quilt squares are assembled into a quilt and their accompanying wishes are to be placed in an album/scrapbook.

I got in on one of these swaps.  But, I took the idea one step further and extended the invitation to share quilt squares and wishes to my blog friends as well as our IRL friends and family and our church family.  We got well over 100 wishes!

Last winter, the girls and I assembled all the squares into a quilt top, but that's as far as it got.  A few weeks ago, my friend Carolyn (who makes the most awesome purses in central PA - and I'm not just saying that because I love her - she's one the Best Purse Award 3 times running at a local fabric shop!) invited me to go to the church with her - she wanted to lay out a quilt she was working on and was willing to help me with mine as well.  So, during that time, I was able to get the border sewn around the quilt top and we also laid it out and pinned it together with the batting and backing.  I got home and felt somewhat overwhelmed - wondering where to start with sewing the thing together, and afraid I might ruin it!

Carolyn offered to do the quilting for me - bless her heart!  She finished it in just a few days!  Here are a few close-ups so you can see the details of the stitches:

And here's the whole quilt!  (If you sent a quilt square, can you find it?!)

Isn't it beautiful?  I put it on Ian's bed and will leave it there for awhile.  Eventually, I'm sure I'll pack it up as a keepsake for him.  I still need to put the wishes together in a scrapbook. 

Now the girls are both asking for quilts too!  Carolyn ~ thanks so much for all your help ~ you're a great friend!  And to everyone who sent wishes for Ian's quilt ~ thanks!  You helped make the quilt very special.

Share Your Thoughts

Oct. 27, 2008 - Oh, that is SO neat Heidi!

Posted by tn3jcarter

What a special gift and what a neat friend you have to quilt that for you!

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Oct. 27, 2008 - So beautiful...

Posted by proverbsmomof3

and what a lovely concept. I love your border color pattern. It pulled the whole thing together. Your friend did a great job quilting it. I am sure it will be treasure by Ian for ever.

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Oct. 27, 2008 - You're Welcome Heidi !!!

Posted by Anonymous

I'm so glad I was able to help with this special quilt for one of your special blessings.....IAN
Love and Hugs, Carolyn

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Oct. 27, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by mamaof3

It turned out soooo beautifully!!! Great job, Heidi and Carolyn!!!

PS - According to that tag I did and that you answered, too - I'd say we were twins or at least sisters!!

Love you - Have a great night! - Chare

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Oct. 27, 2008 - Love it!

Posted by ClagettsFLStyle

How beautiful!! I have heard of this before and what an amazing thing!!

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Oct. 27, 2008 - Oh that is great!

Posted by redmom

Lovely job!

How fun that you're a MOH user, too!

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Oct. 27, 2008 - Awesome!

Posted by peachtreemom

Hey Heidi,

Beautiful quilt. Love the pics.

It was great to meet you IRL last week (I'm already missing everyone).

Can you give me some contact info on the "best purse maker in PA"? Sounds like a gift idea for my mom for Christmas.

Charlotte

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Oct. 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by AcceptanceWithJoy

Oh my! I sent a quilt square... a yellow one because it reminded me of the blanket Ian was laying on in the first photo you posted of him. Your final product turned out beautiful! I don't blame the girls for wanting one.

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Oct. 28, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Kim Kautzer

Hi, Heidi! Wow, your quilt is just beautiful. What an amazing heirloom you've created. The one and only quilt I ever made many years ago is still in my daughter's possession. She even took it to the hospital when she had her last baby--a little bit of home to bring some comfort!

While I have your attention, just thought I'd let you know that I'm tagging you, courtesy of my OTHER daughter. Hope you take the bait and join the fun!

http://www.writeshop.com/blog/2008/10/28/tagged/

Hugs,
Kim.

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Nov. 15, 2008 - so cute

Posted by Lorna

The quilt turned out so cute. What a great keepsake.

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