add another coloer to spice it up

I see just a dab or red on a couple of blocks....I'd add sashing.

Adding blocks with brighter fabrics sounds like a good idea to me, too.

I had a similar experience when making quilts for the wounded soldiers. I alternated rows with reds, oranges, yellows, etc. It ended up being one of my favorites. The soldier loved it too.

what about like a dissappearing 9 patch...just cut it up and use a colorful fabric to add to it. post a pic i'm sure you will get alot more help that way.

If you have an embroidery machine, embroider some bright designs on it. If not, sew pieces of lace, rick-rack, ribbon, yarn, or whatever on the blocks before sewing them together. Make it sort of crazy-quilt style. It's amazing what a little color can do!

Here is someone who makes a lot of scrappy quilts in mostly subdued colors and has quite a few of them in her gallery. http://www.lynnroddybrown.com/Site/Gallery.html Maybe you'll see something that will inspire you to rescue your quilt. Just a solid sashing around those blocks might be all they need to shine.

Sooooo many good and thoughtful ideas from each of you. I guess I'll re-think my original plan and perhaps do something different with what I have. I know that adding COLOR will definitely be on the agenda! I agree with you all that the thought of wasting fabric in this day and age is offensive to the pocketbook. I guess I was just so darn disappointed after all the time and effort spent. Thanks for the outstanding suggestions and encouragement.

i say add purple....or a deep color u don't usually use

I would sash between blocks with black AND a bright color selected from the squares.