Thanks so much. I changed the needle and it's a bit better (I found some in the bag the lady that sold this to me gave me). I think I also have my batting upside down - I had no idea that there was a correct way - I'm using Warm and Natural. I think I may have to go with "good enough" and hope everyone is right that "it will all come out in the wash" as I tell my kids when they worry about small stuff (though this doesn't seem so small). I just don't have the stomach to take this out, or even un-baste and change the batting. I tend to learn from one quilt to the next, and try not to get too upset about the mistakes on the way. Hopefully my son and new bride will still use it and love it.
Thanks again for your advice, which will be very helpful in my next quilt!