I had a similar situation, but the background fabric was "leeching" green through to the dresden plates on the front. I cut around the edges of the design, cut the fabric out behind it, and needle turn appliqued the piece onto new muslin. So the only original green left - that did not show - was 1/4" approx on either side of the seam that I "re-turned." How big are the blocks? There are many other things you can make the blocks into and give to relatives. Good luck and I would like to know a size.