I loved the ideas of "I planned it that way!"
And yours turned out great!

That being said, my very 1st quilt was one that had sashing blocks. I had no clue what I was doing.. and one row was really off..
I left it, gave it to my mom. She loved it.
Fast forward years later, that quilt was hanging proudly in Mom's living room...
And the mistake "glared" at me every time I looked at it.

I finally took it, ripped it out (yes, even the quilting, and it was hand quilted) and I made it right (right meaning what I wanted it to be, I did it for me..selfish? I guess so...).
I took it back to Mom, her words, "It was JUST FINE the way it originally was!".
But now every time I see it, I'm happy.
So, do what will make you smile every time you happen to see the quilt.

Now I'm off to create an "I planned it that way quilt", as I REALLY do love that idea, and yours REALLY turned out great!
Regards,
Kif

I'm just checking in to thank everyone for the advice and support. I was so totally discouraged when I wrote my first post and now I'm thrilled with how my quilt is coming along. I'm taking a break right now from FMQ but I'll get back to it soon. I'll definitely post a picture of the finished product. As one of you said, this really is a terrific group of people. I'm glad I found you!

you could add a small strip of beige to even it off. Once you put a blue border all around, it will help fool the eye. The small piece you add in the lower left might be a good spot to put a label or at least a signature. Then it will really look like you planned it.

***
*** I like it.
*** Quilt as is.
***

I like the idea of resolving your border problem w/ trim to the narrowest and adding the same fabric back to make the border right (just in a solid long piece)

But if it bothers you like it is, this is what I would do. I would cut it into 4ths, and turn each 1/4 so your rectangles are going in different directions (like w/ a flying geese block). Fix the border issue like described above ( only w/ 2 separate halves) then use a thin strip of your dark boarder to connect the 4 quarters back together. Hope that makes sense.

For being your 1st quilt. GO WITH IT. I like what you have done so far.

I was going to suggest a nice big applique too but now I see you've staggered the rectangles. I like what you did!

I like it.
If anyone says anything say you did it on purpose.

I agree, it looks like it was designed to be that way. I like it!! Better than I could hope to do :thumbup:

I love your "fix"! The quilt looks great. I believe you have created Art!

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." - Scott Adams