what an interesting discussion. I, too, separate utility and heirloom quilts. For example, I'm working on my "Magnus Opus" hand quilting a white on white quilt. This I consider heirloom. However, if you really want to see some wonderful heirloom-like modern quilts go to Martha Pullen's website (I'd post it, but I don't know how to get from there to here). Besides all the fancy stitching, I think the many old quilts made from "fancy fabrics" like velvets, silks, lace etc. were also used. Add the fancy hand stitched embroidery and you have an heirloom. Old crazy quilts come to mind. Heirloom quilts were the "Art quilts" of their era where the artist's skill was shown in the design, fabric and stitching. Today, we even have a tv show called the "Art of Quilting."