I am so glad you are hand quilting it - a beautiful vintage quilt like that deserves nothing less. It will be even more stunning when you are done.
I have done several tops like this, the one that stands out most had pieces about the size of a quarter. The owner wanted each one quilted inside, and the edge finished as is, sewing front to back, no binding, around each hex. I did not charge her NEARLY enough money to do it.