The funny part is, I would have fussy cut, and the first block I did that, as well as making sure everything was pointed the same way, if it had been a quilt for the bed, or something for me. DH liked the "chaos" and the windblown type of effect. Because it was a throw, and could land in any direction, I thought it would be nice for it to be "all over", rather than directional. The fabric was weird too, it's basically an all over silhouette of the cacti, even they were all over the place.
The more I think about it, the more I am really glad that I didn't put it away and end up giving DH something else for Christmas. I don't do well with unfinished business.
I completely agree that I'm going to try not to pay attention to it for a while. Let absence make the heart grow fonder.
I think I might do a little soul soothing quilting next, I have a labyrinth top that's ready for quilting. It's in my colors - 2 blues and a grey / white batik... maybe after that I will feel more like this quilt isn't so loud and bothersome to my psyche.
Madamekelly, I see what you mean about the border, I think that's lint and lighting doing that.