I can see why you are unhappy. So sad that such a beautiful quilt got messed up but I do think that since you are giving it to a college student your niece will think it's lovely. She will see YOUR work and the colors and not even notice the poor stitching. I wouldn't even mention your disappointment to her. If you let her know the stitching was bad that is what she will see every time she looks at the quilt. Once it's washed it will be even less noticeable.