I already commented, but I do have one other
suggestion. When I saw the photoshop composite
of the entire quilt, I think one reason it's not working
is because you can't see the alternate block it creates,
which is the little circle.
That really makes the quilt, so how about if you put
on the part of the block where when joined with other blocks, the circle forms, a brighter color, like a brighter
gold and a deeper alternate color. It's hard to explain without having a picture to illustrate, but I think that
would break up some of the obvious purples and teals
and really make the quilt pop.
Also, the problem with adding sashing strips or putting the
blocks on point is that you loose the alternate block, which
again, makes the quilt pop in the right colors. I still think
it is a stunning block, but those changes would help, I think,
and you might like it better.
Marcia