I had a similar happening. After I washed the quilt it looked pretty good for my 1st try. It was for one of my grand daughters and made with Laurel Burch fabric. She loved it! I have free handed several since then. Each one, hopefully, looks a bit better. Don't give up. I also got a lot of practice on baby quilts for one of the children's hospital s in the area. For a big quilt, I always take to my favorite long arm quilter.