My dear friends, I have been unable to sit down at the computer for awhile (because I'm finishing these quilts in question)and to my surprise, I get to read 14 pages of insightful, kind responses and stories.
As I suspected, I'll chalk this up to experience and cut my losses. Not the materials however, the young mom did say she would pay for that but as for time/effort/skill, well...I don't expect to be getting more than a thank you.
But a huge thank you to all of you for your kindness and for your responses.