I would go with the applique solution, probably stars. I just finished picking 2 blocks out of a quilt because I did not like them there after all. We all have problems like this sooner or later, usually both sooner AND later. After almost 500 quilts, I find mistakes still happen, or places where I change my mind. Don't be so hard on yourself. Do be careful not to stretch the fabric if you go with frog stitching (ripit).