I have Harriet Hargrave's book, "Heirloom Machine Quilting". I have not read the entire book but it is a comprehensive book that covers quilt making. From her words, I believe that a "heirloom quilt" is one that is done meticulously both piecing and quilting, whether by hand or machine, that is meant to last for generations. I also believe that when most quilters make a quilt with love and time, they are hoping that quilt will last for generations. It is my opinion that no matter the pattern, simple or intricate, no matter the quilting, hand, machine, or denseness, the problem we quilters face today with gifted quilts is how they are used, stored and most of all laundered. I know that I put a card with my quilts suggesting how it needs to be laundered but many people do not take these steps when caring for the quilts. I'm just not sure how to get this important step across to quilt owners. Today we are about speed and convenience, however, I believe that most quilters want their quilts to last for generations. Thus, they are deemed to be "heirloom". The more time that we take when quilting, whether hand or machine, to protect the seems of our quilts, IMHO, the longer they will last. When I make my, what I call, comfort quilts (those without batting and backed with Minky), I mean them to be used during difficult times and not necessarily to become "heirloom". They are throw size.