I would try this option & steam the heck out of it & stretch as you go. It really doesn't look too bad.

You could take it to a dry cleaner and have them press it for you in a big press.

It's not too bad.. to me...but if ur not happy... I think I'd try the dampen the quilt and try stretching it a bit...if that still does not get the results u like, I'd make maybe a table topper/mug rugs,etc with a IOU for a new quilt and explain what happened.... I'm sure she will be empathic!....

I always wash a quilt before giving it to the recipient and they always come out wrinkled and a little smaller then than before washing. I iron them and stretch a little while ironing so that they're smooth when I give them.

I've also found with quilts I've kept that with use they relax and some of the wrinkles come out.

I like that puckery look. It makes it look old-fashioned. You can try washing it again, and then lay it out on the floor and stretch it into shape and let it dry with a fan blowing over it. (Similar to blocking a quilt.) But, really, I think it's absolutely lovely the way it is.

*sigh* I don't even think it looks that bad in the pictures...if it was someone else posting it, I'd tell them so too. The close up didn't even show the extent of the puckering and screwed-up-ness.

I'm going to try ironing it and stretching the heck out of it...But I don't want my mother in law to have to keep up such high maintenance every time she washes it! I'll see how it does to wash and hang to dry...if it is still all screwy, I'll have to think of something else for her...

Honestly, I think it looks fine and I love it. Antique quilts are not smooth and flat. You did a great job. If you are too disappointed with it, try a steam iron to flatten it out.

The fabric is just very puckered and some of the blocks/quilting appears distorted. The binding is all wavy, too. It really does not look as bad in the picture as it is...

It's not terribly awkward to fold or snuggle in, though...

The most important thing is that you are dissatisfied with it. It looks fine in the pix but I know that can be misleading.

Good luck. I hope you find a solution or alternative gift.

I agree with the ironing of it. I had one that puckered more than I liked, and ironing worked fine. I felt rather foolish ironing a quilt, but it did work.

I would iron it and give it to her. I would not mention your concerns about it. She will be delighted. I think this is a case of what we all do....see our mistakes when others who see our quilts won't.

Now that you have all this advice...I hope you can end up being happy with it. :)