Don't give up on the quilt. Tie it, but have the ties on the back and have the little stitches on the front. They will be unobtrusive if you use matching yarn or pearl cotton. Tie the tails securely and cut them short so baby can't get its fingers caught in the ties and cut off the circulation to a little finger. The ties will go fast, you will have saved the quilt, and the recipient will love it. Good luck!