I've always hand quilted my quilts, but have been practicing machine quilting. I have a vintage mid-arm machine that I haven't really practiced on yet. I shared a picture of the quilt top I made for a grandchild - http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-133869-1.htm The mother saw it and didn't show a lot of enthusiasm for it. It probably wasn't what she had in mind. I asked if she would prefer machine or hand quilting, and she says she doesn't care. I hate to put the time of hand quilting into a quilt that won't be used, but don't want to do a less-than-stellar job with machine quilting. What would you do?

If she is not excited or appreciative of the quilt, I would machine quilt it. Can you do a quick stitch in the ditch using a walking foot? Does a midarm come with a walking foot? That would be fast, easier and would come out nice.

shame on her it is a beautiful quilt, would love to see what you decide.

if she doesn't want the quilt why continue making it for her?

ask her what she had in mind and make a new quilt and keep this one for yourself or give it to someone who wants it.

then do whatever type of quilting on it that would please them or yourself.

It is a beautiful quilt and will lovely stunning whichever way you choose to do it. Machine quilting is nice and I am sure you will do a fine job. Go for it. Thank you for sharing.

I agree with fabric_fancy, if she doesn't like it, why bother finishing it for her. The top is done, in spite of the fact that you didn't like the colors and really had to struggle with it to get that far done, but to go ahead and quilt it, either way and not have her APPRECIATE the work, time and expense involved in quilting, either give it or sell it to someone else who will appreciate it, because you did a great job on it, get something else for the grand baby. My opinion.

if its for a child- definitely machine quilt it- the child will love it-even if mother is not all that enthused- and will probably play on it- have picnics and make forts- so make it durable- and able to withstand being owned by a child.