I can relate to the unliked race quilt. I did one as well that I didn't like the way some of the strips looked next to each other. I cut across the strips at 8 1/2", then unsewed at 8 1/2" intervals...making 8 1/2" blocks. Next I was off to my local quilt shop and found a colour to pick up a colour that was constant thru' all the strips, made sashing and a border. I loved the end result!!! So, if you liked the strips to start with, play with it some and you may be pleasantly surprised at how easily you can turn a dislike into a like.
Patti