I agree with Lady Diana. I think the 100 wt thread is a problem with metallic fabric. I would never use it again with that type of fabric.
I had started out with a topstitch needle, size 14, but the thread still frayed and broke. I only had size 12 metallic needles so I tried that. The combination of the size 12 metallic and very loose top tension worked and I was able to complete the 15 blocks with metallic fabric.
I am now quilting the rest of the quilt, which is cotton with no metallic fibers, with 50 wt cotton top and bottom, with a size 14 quilting needle. What a difference, beautiful stitches, perfect tension!
I will definitely get some Sewer's Aid, and keep it on hand.
Again, thanks for all the good advice!