Why has this happened, what can I do?
 

I sprayed with 505 and lightly pin basted, and then I reinforced with grid stitching lines of dissolving thread. It all looked smooth and neat before and during the quilting. Now, after fmq quilting is finished my back looks fine, but to my eye, the front is all bunchy. I usually do a fairly close fm meander on my tops, this is the first time I have done a more "open swirly" pattern. I've hand washed it in tepid water and dried it flat on my floor. I feel as though I want to unpick all the quilting and try to smooth it out but then I may end up having to redo the binding as well.:( I wanted to gift this one but am reluctant to do so. Any advice?

I would add a little more quilting. That way you can "work in" the extra fullness. I would do that before taking out the already quilted stitches.

It looks fine to me. I think the difference is you have just quilted a looser pattern than you usually do, so it looks different from what you are used to seeing. I'm with Eva---don't pick out anything. If it really bothers you, just add more quilting and you should like the result. I love the soft colors you used, btw. Pretty quilt!

i totally understand and relate to your distress, ruby.
i would feel the same way.
i like some "puff" after washing, but am happiest when it's more flat than not.

BUT ... and this is a hugely important "BUT" ...

9,99, out of 10,000 people would look at it and not think it had any extra "puff" at all.

the problem is not the quilt, or the results of your lovely work.

the problem is us. lol

cross my heart ...
it's lovely just the way it is.
but if you can't be happy with it, then follow the advice already given and add a bit more quilting here and there.

You did everything right, so don't blame yourself. I would add some outline quilting along the lines you already have to push down the empty spaces. Beautiful pastel colors!

It's lovely. If you feel like it, add a bit of "echo" quilting just to be on the safe with respect to quilting distance for your particular batting.

To me it looks lovely but if it doesn't to you that's what matters.
Maybe a little more quilting on what you already have?
Love those colors.

I agree with the others, it's not a problem you are just used to a tighter quilt. If it bugs you, quilt more. Think of it this way, it will be softer with less quilting.

It looks like ordinary quilt crinkle to me, and is quite lovely. I'm sorry you're dissatisfied.

I think it looks wonderful. You did a fine job. As Patrice said, most people would not see anything out of place.