Light Medium Dark are what make a quilt look great. And you did that beautifully

When using the basting spray it is best to do it where there is ample fresh air. The fumes are very harmful and the over spray gets every where. I do mine out side. Also, I find it helpful if my top and backing have been starched. Medium to heavy helps keep the fabric from stretching causing puckers.

When you baste with safety pins you will need to start quilting in the center working your way out and re-pin every row. Other wise you will get puckers, ask me how I know.

When quilting without a walking foot, if you are able, lower the pressure on the presser foot if your machine allows it. This allows the fabric to slide under the foot easier, think of it like trying to roll pie crust. The more pressure on top of the rolling pin, the more doe the gets squished out.

I'm sure your getting a ton I'd advice from every which way. Just remember to have fun and do what works for you. And YouTube has a ton of videos of different techniques.

Great colors and happy quilting!

I think you did a fine job! I sometimes stitch in the ditch and THEN free motion. It looks like your quilt would a be a good chance to do this. It looks to me like the pulling you're talking about is just from not enough quilting. Just stitch in the ditch isn't enough sometimes, so you can either add more straight lines, or FMQ . Good job!

That is just beautiful, you did a wonderful job, the colors go so nicely together....you did great!

I wanted to thank everyone for their kind comments and wonderful advice!!!

My 16 yr old son wanted a quilt made. He asked for something in black and gray. So I did an image search for YBR quilts and found one I wanted to make for him. Here it is. I loved this quilt. It turned out so nice. I could have given it away 4-5 times over. I sent it to my son and he loved it. If someone on this board made the original thank you for the inspiration. I have a request to make 2 more. My own husband wants one. Anyways, here is my version of the black and gray YBR.

This was also my first time doing a diamond quilting pattern.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...e/photo-61.jpg

It's very pretty. A great 2nd quilt. It's better than mine was, I can tell you that.

A walking foot would have helped with the stitch in the ditch. Like you, though, I like my quilts to be quilted more densely. Makes me feel like they'll never come apart!

I LOVE 505 basting spray. It makes everything so much easier. I'll never pin baste again! Your quilt looks great! I'm sure you will continue to improve.