Odd thing for someone to say...I think once a gift is given..that's it...no strings. Glad you are finally deciding to use it, it is a beauty and well done for 17 1/2 years!
We both come from parents with multiple divorces so I'm happy we were able to make it work. As for the comment about the quilt, my MIL said it is very typical of her. What can you do? :)