Go for it. You can hand quilt it yourself and it will become even more special. HQ is not hard it just takes a long time. So what? I think we spend way too much time rushing through things to hurry up and start the next project. Slow down. Enjoy the process. Your mom would be so proud of you for finishing up something she started. Just get a comfortable good-fitting thimble and don't be intimidated. Here's another piece of advice: you could at least start HQ, and if you don't like the way it looks go to Plan B. Taking out hq stitches is a piece of cake if you need to.

Did you ever see the Gee's Bend quilt display? Those were made with all different sized stitches, some had quite big stitches almost like basting--that surprised me. So you see anything is acceptable.

Good luck. I know it is hard to make up your mind but you will make the right decision that you can feel good about.