This has happened to me as well, not with a quilt but with a needlepoint wedding sampler. It took me two months of constant work and then, did not even get a "gee that's nice". This from my niece of all people! So now when I think about gifts I really know who cherishes "handmade" things.
My girlfriend came to pick me up for lunch for my birthday, and she had this huge package all gift wrapped. I almost fell over when I unwrapped her beautiful green, white and pink quilt she made for our new home. The best gift we've ever received.
Carol M