I made a handkerchief quilt for my mom a couple years ago, using hankies that were her mother's or grand-mother's and a few unknowns. I personally thought it was pretty cool. It wasn't my idea; my mom had seen one in a magazine and had asked if I would me one like that if she provided the hankies? I said sure, but there was NO timeline, so I planned it for her 90th birthday. On her birthday when I surprised her with it, she said "OH!" And that was it. Didn't say she loved it, didn't say 'oh it's nice', nothing, and I didn't get the feeling that she was speechless, it was just ---- nothing. Months and months after the fact she has expressed gratitude---- a little bit.
So I understand how you feel. Your quilt is lovely, you did a perfect job on it!