It's very interesting that there are different ideas as to what an Heirloom Quilt is. For me, I would imagine I am using the best fabrics I can and doing as nice a work as possible for a family member to receive either now or upon my passing. Hopefully such a quilt would be appreciated and used, but loved and cared for as well, in hopes of passing it on yet again some day. I wonder how long the life of a quilt is?