Very good help from the people on this quilt board.

Thank you so much everyone! I tried the 90/14 needle, made myself a surround out of books and ironing board, put a pillow in my lap, lengthened my stitch length to 3- and it looks Much better! It is by No means perfect, but I'm much happier with it and think I can get better with practice and positioning changes.
Funny story- I didn't have time to stop on the way home to get needles because my pup needed to go outside. I wasn't sure if I had any 90/14 needles at home, but just planned to check. I recently rediscovered a pouch that was sent to me in a swap On this board a few years ago- and what did I find in there when I got home? Universal 90/14 needles!! I love this board and the community here. Thanks everyone. For anyone interested in a non-close up of the project in question:

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Cute quilt! And it looks good even when I enlarged the picture for a closer look!

Glad you got it sorted out. Your quilt looks lovely.

Glad you got it sorted out. I think you did very well for taking on a project for your friend. Your "rusty" skills are now getting bright!

Beautiful quilt! Thank you for sharing your quilt and your question. We all need refreshers on quilting and support. Your friend will be touched and happy with your original quilt that stand out from store bought blankets. Nothing better than a quilt for a baby to play on or wrap in when older. I have a picture of a twin grand-child who wrapped herself in her quilt 'like a burrito'. Precious! I love the pinwheel quilt; it is lovely. Is the second twin a boy or a girl?

When you do purchase needles, don't buy universal ones. Quilting cotton likes sharp needles, not the slightly rounded tip of a universal.

I'm glad you posted and got help in figuring it out - the thread answered some questions in my head, too! Your quilt is really pretty.

What a lovely quilt! You don't look rusty at all.

Your quilt is so pretty. Glad you were able to get help here. Thanks for posting your questions as it helped me a lot with some questions I have had in the past.