Bev, I know how you feel. Like you I will not ask for anything because I feel like if they want me to have it they will give it to me.
I always get disgusted when someone you loved passes and then all of the greedy relatives come out of the wood work and start grabbing things, holding their hands out knowing they have never even bothered to call or come by and see them on a regular basis.
I have never had any relatives into sewing other than my mom, and she still hanging in there with the best of them. :D
Sorry to hear about the loss of a family heirloom.
Billy