And now I don't like it

The yarn was good to knit, running smooth through fingers and over the needle, 72% cotton, 28% viscose.
I did like the colours how they appeared on the ball a lot, exactly what I had in mind, but not the colour gradient in the finished piece.
It was supposed to be a birthday present. Not sure what to do with it now. Still needs damping and/or stretching, but I doubt that will improve it.
Thinking about getting the same yarn in a more decent colour and doing another one. I still have 6 weeks.

Disappointing knitting experience

18:30; 9°C