I finally found some DMC embroidery thread at Michael's yesterday. I bought the rayon thread in gold; I've never worked with it before but it feels nice and I thought a soft sheen would look good against the black background. I will probably use the QAYG method but I do it the way Georgia Bonesteel teaches with one difference; I cut the back square 1/2" larger than my front block. I am making 10 1/2" blocks so my backing will be 11" square. I sew the front squares together with a 1/4" seam, trim the batting so it butts together and lies flat and then I fold the backing under and I blind stitch the seam by hand. The extra 1/2" makes sure I enough fabric to overlap properly on the back.