Originally Posted by sewlisa
I have a beautiful Sunbonnet Sue quilt top that my great grandmother made that I would love to finish. Now, my Mom is not the superstitious sort, but since Great Grandma died while working on it, she feels funny about allowing it to be completed. What are your thoughts, suggestions, etc. TIA!
Talk it over with your mother calmly, without judging or pressuring her. Ask her if she can pinpoint the cause of her discomfort and if so, whether there is anything you can do to alleviate it.
You say your mother is not usually superstitious. Keep in mind that different cultures handle the question of unfinished works differently. And often such cultural assumptions are picked up unconsciously by children. Your mother may have been raised that such things are best not touched. Other cultures consider finishing the unfinished work as a necessary part of the grieving process.
If it turns out that your mother was just taken by surprise she may be willing to explore different options. For instance, if your great-grandmother pieced and quilted by hand, would your mother feel more comfortable about it if you did so with this particular top?
If you and your mother cannot come to some agreement about finishing the top that makes *both* of you equally happy, then I'd say let it go for now out of respect for your mother. I don't think anyone can know for sure at this point what your great-grandmother would have wanted.
Perhaps I'm a little morbid because I lost my own mother last April but my thoughts are that you are least likely to regret cherishing and respecting your mother now.