If I were your MIL, just knowing you had put all that love into a quilt for me would be enough. The shrinking does not seem bad to me. I would love it and use it with you in mind.

I do this sometimes.

Deema

All these suggestions are great, but from someone who has given many many quilts and have never fretted over any one of them.. The person receiving will love what you did for them... JUST LEAVE IT the way it is and give it to her, She will love it... Believe me...
God Bless..

I totally agree, trying to fix it could create more problem rather than fix the one you have.

The pictures certainly don't look bad at all and the quilt looks great! I love the colors! I would give it to her. A lot of people like the puckered look as it looks more like original quilts, which were mostly cotton, looked like.

I think I would try rewetting it and blocking it like you would a sweater.. pin it out carefully on your living room carpet with big T-pins, and let it stay there until it's dry.. I think it would be fine.. I can see (and tell) you are disappointed, but I think you should still give it to her.. Even if it's sort of puckered and wrinkled, it is a beautiful quilt... Blocking works wonders... It can't hurt and may sooth your discouragement.

I block quilts that are going to a show to make sure the sides are straight and hang down perfectly.. A nationally known quilt judge told us about how to do it.. and boy oh boy does it make a difference.

I was glad to see this Rettie, bc I thought ppl have said, never put an iron to your quilt with the batting in place. I thought I was going crazy...giggle, but then that's nothing new ;)
I really don't think it looks bad, but what a caring soul to share with all of us, hoping to save us the same heartbreak.
It just plain hurts to have all our hard work change in a blink. I'm no psychic, but she will love it.

I love your quilt and would give it as a gift. I wash all of my quilts after quilting and hope the shrink a little as I think it gives them a warm, welcoming look. I think your IML's will appreciate your thoughtfulness. It really is a gift of Love.

try steam ironing it in one little section and or rewash and strech it on a carpetted floor and pin to let dry. See if that helps and let her know not to dry from now on. Beautiful quilt. Trish

I see there are 17 pages...I haven't read through all...yet...but I agree with scrapykate...Try ironing it; I think you'll be surprised.