i think the trend for flat quilts is a result of people wanting quilts that look like the ones they remember at grandma's house. that's fine except that when they were new, grandma's quilts were NOT flat... they just wore that way during lot of use and wear and washing.... but of course, if the quilt is half done, don't undo it .... and then when finished, spritz with a bit of clear water or dampen 2 or 3 towels and then put in the dryer....the batting will definitely puff up and soften a bit. i'm sure your DGD will love it.