I would guess that it has to do with the flannel that you used. Some of it just pills up and looks used as soon as it is washed. I think the only way to know that before making a quilt is to wash the flannel before using. Maybe you did that and I am way off the mark. I actually had that happen to a set of flannel receiving blankets that I made for a work acquaintance's grandma shower. I didn't want to put a whole lot into the gift, yet I wanted it to be nice and useful. I prewashed the flannel and then washed again before gifting and I was afraid they would think I gave them used blankets, (plus a cute bedtime book). But I gave it anyway because I thought a gift is a gift
. I haven't seen her since then, so I'm OK with it. But if you are very concerned and well acquainted with the people, you might feel better to just buy a gift from the registry. Don't give a gift with excuses. Later I would give it to your friend to use when baby visits her house.