My second granddaughter was born in 1996. Before her birth, I sent 27 twelve-inch plain muslin squares to family and friends. Everyone was to decorate their "quilt square" anyway they would like. Each piece was to become a part of the larger family quilt for the newest member of the family.

I received 25 decorated squares back with all manner of designs and styles. Each piece had the name of the individual or family that produced it. I used these squares and created a quilt that measured six feet by six feet. There was one extra square used to make a pillow.

The quilt squares were made by two great-grandmothers, two grandmothers, four great aunts and 2 great, great aunts plus mommy, daddy, aunts and uncles, friends of the parents and grandparents.

The best piece was the hand print of her three year-old sister who was so excited to participate. The centerpiece has her name, date of birth and weight.

This quilt has already become a very special family heirloom – one great grandmother and one great uncle have passed away. The quilt is now priceless. A wonderful welcome into the family for a very special new member. Her mother uses it to show her how special she is and how so many people made this for her before she was born. It was a large project but when I see how important it has become to my son and his family it was worth all the effort.

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