Originally Posted by cheryl222
This is a very interesting thread and I liked all comments and can see all sides of the issue. As a teacher of young children, I always pointed out what they did correctly, NOT what they did wrong. That way they can build on the good. That being said, I also think it is wrong to praise for shoddy work - how will we ever learn? maybe showing how we can make it "even better" puts a more positive spin on a gentle critique.
I also thought of children. However, the difference between being a teacher (or a parent), then it is our JOB to point out how they can make it better or how to correct them, after, of course, being supportive?
I was always taught never to ask my child, after drawing an unknown picture and holding it up proudly for me to admire, not to say, "What is it?" But instead to say, "Tell me about it". You are asking the same thing, but in a different way.
Mostly I just don't say anything if I don't like the quilt. But, sometimes, as one lady pointed out, if there is a twisted block (I would want to know), then it is okay to mention it because they probably want to turn it around before finishing the quilt. But otherwise, it is either nothing, or commenting on the colors, the pattern, the style, the thought behind it, etc. After all, we can't really see too much with most of the pictures--not really up close and personal like you can in person.
I do appreciate the "positiveness" of the posters here. Thanks!