I agree with those who have said it's a quilt that has been or will be passed down through the generations and is considered something of value (even sentimental value, in my opinion, but hopefully something so treasured is also well constructed so that it will hold up with minimal repairs from one generation to the next). It is the difference between a quick 6-hour quilt that one makes because they enjoy the process of making a quilt and/or need a quick gift or quilt for some purpose vs. a quilt that is carefully & lovingly constructed. Oftentimes baby quilts and wedding quilts become family heirlooms. Quilts one makes for their hope chest are also typically heirlooms.