Jan and Julie, thank you so much for your advice and suggestions.
I'll be seeing her again later this week and will pass on what you've both said. I never thought about the batting coming through the holes, I was just thinking about the threads may come loose with use.
It definitely looks as though I'm in on the organising bit of her quilt with her, so I'll let you know what she decides to do and get some photos during the process.
Joanne in UK