KO - I so fully agree with you. The things that are stored away don't mean anything, because they were never used. The things you remember (and cherish) are the particular bowl that Mom always put the gravy in, or the old beat up silverware that you remember using to dig in the dirt.
My other personal opinion is about labels. So much is made today about putting a label on your quilt. If a quilt I have made is pretty to look at, and keeps someone warm - and I would hope makes them happy - then the quilt has done its job. I'm not looking for a monument to me. I want it to be used up - not kept in a cedar chest. If you use it, and take reasonable care of it, I will make you another if that one wears out.
Just my thoughts.