Originally Posted by
Iceblossom
The best fix I can think of for this is to use a piece of nice quality bridal illusion veil (or maybe a wavy organza or similar) or lace or both.
Building upon Iceblossom's recommendation, I would applique flowers in the border and rather than cut areas out, I would cover whole border or area with organza or a fabric that has the sheerness that would be used for Shadow Work.
Then I would embroider or FMQ around the appliqued flowers and shadow quilt tight around the embroidery so the letters could be seen. On the back, I would line it with buttersoft muslin.
Then, by hand, do some running stitch down the muslin through the backing and into the batting only so it is connected to the backing and then around the edge, fold the muslin edges under and slip stitch it to the binding.
As for the crunchiness, perhaps that might soften the more the quilt is used as the flexing of the material will eventually break up the adhesion to the other fabric.