I really like the first photo, I think that one is great. I don't like the dark setting triangles in the 2nd photo.
Yes, I've had projects not turn out well. I also made D9P blocks that turned out butt ugly, no saving them for a quilt. I think I'll use them as backing of place mats or something cuz I won't throw them away. Or maybe cut them up some more to add to crumb blocks.