I have used the cans to help distribute fullness in the middle of the quilt; worked pretty darn well, if I say so myself. I thought the top was hopeless, but it actually turned out quite nice. I'm going to make the rice bags, though. The cans have rolled off my frame more than once and given me a start. The rice bags should stay in place better, even when I get to the edge, and if they fall they won't scare me as much!

Adding fluffy batting is one answer. In a pinch I have basted an area with extra fullness which spreads the fullness throughout the area. Use fairly small basting stitches so they won't catch in the hopping foot. I have used steam and also Magic sizing which has reduced fullness for me too.

OK, I'll be as diplomatic as possible :). She's made quilts before, but always sewed at my house. This one was the first she's done by herself and the directions gave the dimensions for the borders, so she cut them first.

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions! I never thought of weighting sections down as you work on them. I'll try that along with a fluffy batt.