I would make some mug rugs or the pot holders...the smaller the pattern for these makes ugly fabric more interesting.
Janet

We had an ugly fabric trade in one of my classes. All of the fabrics found new homes with quilters who loved them.

A crazy quilt would work really well. And with most of these you do not notice any ugly fabrics.

Post a few pictures of them so we can see just how UGLY they are! They might not be as ugly as you think! :D

GOOD LUCK! I WAS TEMPTED TO BUY SOME TOO AND GLAD I DIDN'T. I LOVE THE PHRASE "IF IT'S STILL UGLY, YOU HAVEN'T CUT IT SMALL ENOUGH"

Bonnie Hunter says if it's still ugly fabric you didn't cut it small enough yet.

Don't you find it easier to cut up ugly fabric and use it? I find it difficult to cut into my 'pretty' fabrics...:)

Put them up for a trade or sale. Why sew with them if you think they are ugly? Why give away a quilt that you think is ugly? There are enough ugly quilts in the world already - don't make anymore. Let someone else make something pretty out of it; trade with someone who will take the time to carefully piece together a beautiful star or bargello or something, not just quickly put a 9 patch together and say "done".

.....and if they still look ugly, you just haven't cut the pieces small enough!

Do a string quilt of some sort........

I did the same thing. No more "surprises" for me. Ordering online is great, but the "let us pick for you" stuff is risky.