Good for you Heathermom2opmc for using those "uglies". Sashing your big blocks with black or a stunning solid of some sort, may turn them into a beauties. I think your quote might be from Bonnie Hunter. One of my quilting group is always saying it and quoting it as from BH. None the less, it sure does apply, doesn't it! We all have some "zingers" we would never pick out ourselves but find in our possession. When you bury them in your blocks, no one will every see them.
Keep in mind that what appeals to one is.... bluuck to another.
Stitch on! Pictures?