I think your mom wanted to save it cause it was special, YOU made it. I have several my mother painstakingly hand embroidered every block and the thought of using them scares me. Things wear out and then they have to be thrown out. I have such an animal with the first one she made me. It is about worn out the other two have not been used, wrapped in special tissue paper and put away, My mother has since left this world and will never make another one, I would be so upset if i wore out the other two. They mean that much to me cause she made them. If special company are coming i then put them on the bed to display. Maybe your mom feels that way too.