It will be a lot easier to comment when you have managed to attach a pic (I'm still trying to work that out myself!!). Keep trying! Meanwhile, by all means buy a new 'white' but go for an off white, to keep the antique look. Is some of it already pieced or do you just have a pile of blocks, some appliqued?
As to your question about hand or machine. For me that would depend on whether you LOVE hand work? If you do go for it. If not the quilt police will not come after you if you finish on the machine, I'm sure Auntie would just be delighted to see it finished either way, were she still with us.
It's a great project ENJOY!!!