The quilt is fine. It just has that old fashion look . Cotton,not matter what % it is and is mixed with poly or wool will shrink.

I never pre wash my fabric. I quilt everything,bind it and then wash in cold water,damp dry on low heat and then hand it up to finish drying. I work with a lot of flannel and do the same thing.
I alos do quilt for judging not only for myslef but others and I have never had any trouble.
Give the quilt to your MIL. She will appreciate it for the love you put in to it.

I know you think it's ruined and looks "awful"; but that was part of the charm of my Grandmothers quilts. Your MIL may think the same. I've personally had some quilts machine quilted in a manner that will create this look. Don't despair and try to "repair"; you may have the same outcome. I think it looks beautiful just the way it is.

Hope you have time for this, good idea...maybe you could give a card with a promise...would give you time to re-quilt. Sorry, this is a bummer.

This doesnt look too bad. I bet whe will love it. Maybe try ironing it to please yourself.

I had the same thing happen to me, only it was a wool blend batting. I threw it away, should have given it to the Humane Society, they need things like that for their doggie hospital. No advice for you, but i know how you feel. You just start over, and give her a glimpse of what you are making. She will understand, and admire you for not giving up. Sorry....but just buy good batting, I use all cotton, Warm and Natural, and Hobbs.

Lots of good ideas from seasoned quilters., hang in there.

I am so sorry that this happened to you. I am one that pre-washes everything for importnat projects. I do not like the shrunken look at all, some people do. Is it quilted ior tied? If it is tied , untie it and used a different batting that has been preshrunk. If it is just a horrible mess and you can't deal with it at this time, make a very nice gift certificate for a quilt and give it to her in a nicely wrapped box. You could include something small that you have made in the box, like potholders or a tot bag.

Of course, take out all over quilting ( I did it 3 times to a quilt for a friend, very tedious, but I am a perfectionist). The top is probably fabulous....find a good movie on TV, and have a good seam ripper.

Did you make the quilt above your name????Its wonderful.

I did the same thing when I made a baby quilt for a friends granddaughter. When I washed it it looked horrible!!!! Way worse than yours but I fixed it!! Honestly I think it's a beautiful quilt! :) I'm sure she'll love it!!