If you still are not satisfied, I would try a big bold applique that moves the eye to this shape.

That looks much better!

I use a section of wooden molding WITHOUT a cover--had planned to cover it but tried it bare-- and it works very well for pressing seams open. I was hating trying to press a 1/4" seam open until I tried this.

By the way, the reason the strips bow is not because they were sewn all from the same direction; it has to do with thread tension, which if off can slightly gather the fabric as it's sewn. Sewing in opposite directions just counteracts one bow with a bow in the other direction!

Lee in Richmond's comment that "the top thread is easier to pull when ripping" indicates the tension on the top thread is too tight or the bottom is too loose. Part-polyester fabrics also have a strong tendency for the seams to ripple, or bow; just one reason I refuse to deal with them!

Sometimes, if you have not back-tacked at the end of seams, just runningthe seam through a thumbnail and forefinger held together will straighten them sufficiently. Note the gather that results as you go along.

p.s. I just saw the finished, reworked top, and it looks great! In my opinion the colors and business of the prints are wonderful, as is.

Your colors are really pretty. Steaming and ironing sounds good to me first. If you are not entering it into competition, I doubt if anyone will notice. It will still keep someone warm and comfy and the happy colors will bring smiles. When someone tells you how beautiful it is you might even share a giggle by letting them in on a secret that it is not quilt-police-perfect.
Reminds me of a story: a few decades ago in college I was self-consciously sitting with a very attractive male and was trying to be very "perfect" and demure. I went to take a sip of my coke - missed my mouth - and poured half of the coke down the front of my shirt. This was the kindest male I think I ever met - he said "oh, don't worry about that... perfect isn't interesting " I will never forget that sweet and wise short encounter. Enjoy your quilt!

Here is what I would do: if you don't like it crooked--add a black border and square up the black border as though you planned it wonky; then it would look like you planned it that way and have created a new pattern. You would be suprised how many people would want your pattern for the Children and grandparents and friends.

It is funny. I have been quilting over 10 years. I have never followed the 'alternate' sewing direction and never had a problem. I typically find that wonkiness like this has more to do with pressing that the direction of sewing.

No drumming here. This is exactly what I would do.

I'm with dina - 'Quilt It and Forget It' Quilting usually hides any imperfections.

I too am fascinated by these sticks, never heard of them before.........must be a way of somehow duplicating idea, or better yet, I think I will just order them....save my time for using, not trying to copy..thanks to whomever referred to this site...another gadget..but looks like one that might save some oops time.....

I ordered them and they just arrived. Basically they look like wooden molding covered with muslin, with the muslin edges serged on three sides. I ordered them because I know I usually don't get around to acting on good ideas, but for those who want to save money it would be a lot less expensive to just buy a piece of wooden molding at the hardware store. As suzanprincess pointed out, you don't even have to cover them with muslin.