I am lucky enough to have several quilts that my grandmothers had made for me over the years.
I use them UP, just as both of them would have wanted me to. I use them until they're falling apart, and then I store the raggedy things because I can't bear to get rid of them. I still have my baby blankets...the embroidery has rotted away and they have stains and spots and rips from me dragging them around everywhere and building countless forts with them...and I love that I still have them even though they're super delicate and not worth a single penny to anybody but me.
My fondest wish, when I give my quilts away, is that they will be used until they are used up too. I wouldn't have all these fond memories of my grandmother's quilts if I hadn't been allowed to use them all my life.
I like to say, "A quilt is a hug trapped in fabric." So don't put my hugs in the closet! Wrap up in them, and know you're loved!