I can empathize with you. My mother passed away Dec. 14th 2006 and my MIL passed away Dec. 28th 2006. It was not the greatest of Holidays that year. My heart goes out to you and your family.
I just finished a flannel rag quilt and left 1" for fraying. I also purchased a pair of rag quilt scissors from Joann's when they had a 50% off coupon. They were wonderful!! No sore thumb...YEA! They cut through like butter. I'm posting a pic of my quilt on the Pictures section.