Personally, I feel you saved this quilt. And the finished product is exquisite!
Several years ago I won a beautiful (I thought) Job's Troubles top done in bubble gum pink, muslin and the cutest 30s fabrics. I was so excited and planned to hand quilt it.
When it arrive, she has washed it because she worried about it having an odor. I was just sick. It was so raveled and shrunk that I don't think it will ever lay flat. She offered my money back, but I chose to keep it just for the darling fabrics in it.
Every once in a while, I drag it and work on repairing the seams and trying to press it out. Perhaps we need to educate the public to never wash a vintage top, no matter how dirty?
You did a fabulous job on rescuing this beauty, and I know the owners are delighted (even if they have no idea of the work it took)!