The Quilt Top That's Staying--For Now

In my mind, I had two quilt tops that I was ready to send off to MCC.  I finally pulled both of them out last week.  There is a Double Irish Chain (which I'll post later) and this one.

I made this quilt ages ago, before I began blogging, I think.  This is a Bonnie Hunter pattern, maybe called Little Monkeys.  It was fun to make the little 5" blocks using scraps of so many fabrics and colors.  I think her pattern was for a baby quilt but there was no baby around for this quilt, so I made more blocks and decided alternate hourglass blocks would make a top big enough for a bed. 

When I finished it I folded it away and moved on with other quilts in other styles.  My memory told me I didn't really like this quilt at all, which was why I thought I would be donating it this year.  (In my mind I think I thought hourglass blocks were a cheater's way to enlarge a quilt.  I don't think that any longer, after I've seen and loved so many quilts with alternate hourglass blocks posted by other bloggers.  Now I see that they enhance blocks and give them space to shine.)  When I pulled this top out last week, I fell in love with it.  I love those bright little churn dash blocks that look happy, fun, and almost whimsical.  So this top will be staying with me for now.

Here are a few (maybe a few too many!) photos of some of the blocks. 

Have you ever laid aside a quilt you weren't sure you liked, only to pull it out and find that your opinion of it has changed and you love it?

I best go make the other 20 or so blocks I need for the bow tie quilt top that I will be donating to MCC.

--Nancy.