Hi Buckeye Rose. I am so sorry your mother's quilt is turning out to be so frustrating. I am glad you chose to leave the top as it is and work with it, even though it is a pain. At this point, I think you need a breather from it and work on it another day. I find that if I have a problem with a quilt, I will put it away and try not to obsess about it. Then, usually just as I fall asleep that night, the answer pops into my head. Now, I have to get up right then and there and write down the solution or I will forget about it by morning. Sometimes the answers come in my dreams and again, I need to write it down as soon as I wake or risk forgetting it. I find inspiration and creativity everywhere...I observe, look and see. It's a habit that takes practice but it so worth it. When I go outside, I do not glue my eyes to a cell phone, tablet, etc. I look around me, see what's around, what colors, textures etc. Maybe this is more than you are looking for but it works for me. Also, coming to this board like you have will also bring you lots of suggestions and empathy. I hope you are able to finish the quilt soon.