Not Working....Maybe

I am trying to make a sample of the second block, Double Aster Variation, for my new quilt and it is just not working for me. I tried different fabric combos for the hsts in the center of the aster and I just don't like it. All I see is the Friendship Star that forms in the center of the block and I think it is too distracting from the overall look.

I have been putzing around with this block layout for a few days now and I just can't seem to make it work. I've tried changing positions of fabric - light in the center, dark in the center, etc., but it is all a no go. :(

I want to make this quilt with stash and I just don't want to buy any new fabric for it - I think it really is the challenge of using what I already have because, of course, buying fabric for a new quilt is so much fun to do. I know I will figure something out.

I had originally intended on making my blocks a gigantic 15" but in the end I changed it up and decided to go with 2.5" squares and hsts instead so my blocks will finish at 10".

This is crazy but I wrote this post first and then I added my photo and surprise...... it doesn't look too bad at all.

I am off to figure this block out!