Squiggly Hotpad For My Sister

This is a work in progress. It is my attempt at a hotpad for my sister. Her mother-in-law made one, it is really old, and my sister asked me if I could dupciate it. I didn't have a pattern, but after studying it, I told her I would give it a try. So here is my attempt...

This is the thread I'm using. So far it's a grid of 13x13 and measures 3". As you can see from the back, it's curling around the edges. I don't know if this will correct itself when I get closer to finishing it.

The front looks very crowded, but I don't remember if this is the way it's suppose to look. But I will continue on.

I'm hoping that by putting this here it will inspire me to finish it. It has been a UFO for quite some time.