If you use a double batting, that helps with the puffiness. Also, stitch it a little tighter to help take in that extra puffiness and also the suggestion of SITD will help with the wonkiness. It will allow you to put a new memory on that fabric. Even though you stitch in the ditch, that does not limit you from a panto if you decide to go that way. I might do a line dancing around the stars instead. It will help hide that wonkiness and take in the puffies. Also, you could do some tight stipple in the squares to take up puffy and help with wonki.