I always wash my quilts after I finish them and look forward to them looking a little "puckered" that gives them an antique look. Just tell her that was wht you had in mind and that it will be a family heirloom. I love the way mine look that way, hopefully she will too.

Would it help to use a steam iron (or dry) and press it?
Or maybe use a steamer.

Your quilt was made with love and anyone would be happy to receive a gift made with love. There are probably quite a few quilters out there that are envious of you for being able to achieve that look. The look is the same across the whole quilt, I would give it to your Mother-in-law without a word said. If any comment is made you could say that you felt you had been very successful at achieving an antique effect.

Try getting it completely wet (gentle wash). Then with friend or spouse (whomever you can get),lay it out flat (the floor is your best bet. I would use some of that laminated (?) shiny fabric (like the stuff you would use to cover a picnic table) to keep the quilt clean and the flat area dry. With your helper, carefully pull and smooth the quilt out, be careful that you do not pull the binding and get all out of wack. Let it dry for a few days; then turn over to dry the other side. You could again smooth it out at that time. I hope this works for you. HOWEVER...before going to all that trouble, take it to someone who knows about quilting and get their input. You may save your self a great deal of work and worry. No matter what, if your MIL loves you, she will love the quilt. That, however, would be your call.

rewet the quilt then "block" the quilt. you will need to lay it out maybe on carpet and stretch and pin in place and let dry.

rewet the quilt then "block" the quilt. you will need to lay it out maybe on carpet and stretch and pin in place and let dry.

I don't think it looks bad at all!? What about magic sizing and ironing it?

I always perwash fabs and prew shrink the batting if I do not want it to shrink any but a lot of the times I perposley do not shrink for I think it looks great shrunk up...
ConniE F
I am sure from looking at the pictures it is great. I am sure she will love it ad will not know the difference if you do not point it out.

I had one to do the same thing , an elderly freind told me to put it in the dryer dry do not wet it , and run it about twenty min. just enough to get it warmed up ,and then stread it on my bed or hang it up while it is still warm.. and it really helped. It relaxed the fibers and it was a lot better. I also ironed it .. I think your quilt is beautiful.

Try pressing it see if that helps.She isn't going to know it shrank,I think it is beautiful :thumbup: