I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I just came back from a quilt show, and so many of the quilts were simply outstanding. Over the years, I've tried to decide what makes me look twice (or three times) at a quilt and think "How magnificent!"

I think that the choice (and combination) of fabrics has so much to do with how a quilt "feels" when it's all done. I am curious to read what other quilters think is the key to making one of those "WOW" quilts.

The color! A quilt can be absolute perfection in workmanship but if the colors are not right then the quilt is not pretty to me.

I think color and fabric choices, design, workmanship and that personal touch that makes it unique all go into the making of a fabulous quilt.

Each one is a work of art to me.

I love almost every quilt I see for at least one reason or another, but I think it's well done applique that pulls the most "wows!" out of me. :)

But, intricate designs or a striking mix of colors or something innovative gets me, too.

For me, it's a striking contrast of color and shapes.

Fiber Artist, what a cute puppy!!

I think the colors and the way the quilting accents the design.

the use of color and design layout

Colors and design would be the first.
I tend to WOW over quilts that I think I could not make myself too.

Its the Colors that first "grab" me , then the design or the piecework , and then I look at the quilting.
I was in a real rut and my quilts were .. boring till I started attending shows ,, the colors .. the colors ... it helped me get to a better place with colors and the placement of colors.