I agree with a burn pile ceremony, very respectful of the love and service it has given. To reuse it as a middle of something else..not so much. And certainly not to the new owner, new life. I've used our fall burn piles in this way for many things.

Oh, the times I use a sentimental quilt as filling is only for that original person! Mostly I see it as children growing out of their blanky, they don't feel the same way when they grow out of their twin quilt. Sometimes it is a queen size quilt and sometimes reusing that original quilt is a way to move into the future while keeping a quiet piece of the past. It's usually a special personal request and it isn't usually a top I originally made.

In the case of my husband's quilt, that was just practical and that back is going to last a lot longer than the front and so maybe it will end up with yet another layer in time. :p

Now I have been known to use a wool blanket I've gotten at a thrift store as a batting for a new project but I'd say that is different.

Edit: Mim, I should have said I'm sorry for the circumstances that have led you to this question. If all hope is gone for them, then I think a burning ceremony is the way to go. Some projects I can let go to the dog beds and eventually trash but some would hurt more to see them treated that way.

You can use it as a cutter quilt. You can cut up pieces and make stuffed bears or I have seen small hearts made as an ornament or possibly use it as "meyert" said and save good parts and frame it.

It's so touching that your son loves the quilt so much he was hoping you could fix it. I smiled when I read this because that request is such a "boy" thing. ( I have 3 sons) :)
I love the idea of a Christmas stocking. I have one made from a worn out quilt and it's adorable. Very vintage looking.

I have one from my late son. I only got one of several back. I made a pillow for top of a storage wooden box and draped the quilt over it and tucked under the legs. It makes a comfy bed for my black cat, Tarby.

I've seen them cut into star and heart shapes and used for ornaments. They're worn, and faded and cute! They looked loved. <3

Historically old quilts were used as "batting" in new quilts.

I'm a saver. If you have space to store these quilts, I'd make them their own pillow case and tuck them lovingly away for my own keeping. There are memories attached to both quilts that they can be taken out, given a hug and tucked away again. Truly a comfort quilt!

If there is no sentimental value to the quilt, I cut them up and use them to make cage pads for my vets place. Never had to deal with any that mean anything.

My grandmother would have made a new top and backing and used the old quilt as batting. You could even mimic the old pattern.