When I first saw the quilt, I thought the gatherings were intentional. It is all over the quilt. So maybe that is how it was meant to be when it was made. Maybe for a little girl's room and the more ruffles, the better? Plus it is pink!
Then I read what others wrote and thought that maybe I was the wrong one. Everyone has different tastes and ideas, so who is to say this quilt was not made that way on purpose?
The squares don't look ruffled so if you are that dissatisfied with the look, why not take the whole thing apart, save the squares and put new sashing between them. Make a whole new quilt out of them? I know it will be alot of work, but if you don't like it, will you use it?
Just my two cents worth.
Barb