I have made 6 DWR quilts. You are describing my first one very well. One thing I would suggest to you to even things out is to hand stitch it and not machine quilt it. By stretching it some in a hoop you can take care of a good number of the Poofs. Not all of them will be fixed and it still won't give you what you would want to give as a gift but you will have a better outcome than you would if you machine quilt it. This is a quilt that would do well to be long arm'ed. The LA can stretch into place so of the poofs. Keep in mind there is a considerable cost for LA but only time and a few calluses for hand quilting. Hand quilting it a good experience and all quilters should try it at least once on a quilt. I did 5 of the 6 by hand and they were perfect! Also what did you use to cut your pieces? Having a good template is also very important. I use "Quilting for the Hartland" They are a set of great templates and very very good instructions.