I am so sorry you have lost both parents is such a short time. When I was 18 I lost my favorite grandmother (my dad's mother) on my dad's birthday, then lost my dad 2 months later just a few days before Thanksgiving. This was devastating to me at that age. You have to move on as best you can. As far as the quilting, do what you can and know that the people receiving them will understand. I agree with using warm and natural; you don't have to quilt close together. Tying in the center of each square would be enough. The buttons sounds cute, but also think of comfort and washability. I would go with just tying. I use embroidery floss or worsted weight acrylic yarn.