Originally Posted by DogHouseMom
I agree to a point, when I post something and ask for comments, I truely want honest opinions which includes constructive criticizm. Some advice I'll take, some I'll ignore - according to my desires and beliefs - but all constructive criticizm is appreciated even if not used.
A member (an experiencd quilter) posted several blocks the other day, the blocks had yet been joined together. She was looking for comments on the best layout. While she didn't specifically ask for constructive criticizm of the individual blocks *I* had noticed that some of the pieces in one block were flipped. Had it been my block I would have appreciated it being pointed out because that juncture it was easy to fix - so I did point it out to her, as did one or two other members. These things (brain fart mistakes) I think are appreciated when pointed out even if unsolicited. I would not however point out the same error on a quilt that was already quilted - why raise the dead?
When I see a pic of a first quilt or block by a new quilter, and their post starts with something like 'yippee - look what I did!' ... the block could be totally wonky but I wouldn't dare say a word. At that point of "oh my God I actually sewed a bunch of pieces together" - let them have that glory. I would prefer to see them retain that excitement and passion over the possibility of dashing it by saying it isn't right (which may make them think quilting is just too hard!). If they decide they love quilting they'll be seeing more quilts, the more they see the more they'll see the differences, and hopefully the more they will learn.
I like your way of thinking, especially in regards to new quilters. If I had be given even the least bit of criticism after completing my first quilt I probably would have just given up on this hobby for good. I did ask for help along the way, I am a very slow quilter and had plenty of time during rip outs to get that advice.
I have learned to cut myself some slack after seeing some of the quilts my quilter, (been published four times in the last two years that I know of, in magazines like Quilts & More) has done close up. Not every seam is perfectly matched up. I was quite surprised and relieved. Also, I have grown not only in skills, still much to learn, but in appreciation of design and colors. This does go back to the eye of the beholder. There are quilts I see that don't appeal to me at all, and then i remember that what I like now I didn't necessarily like before. Even if I don't like the whole quilt I can pick out something I do like about it. I love to look at the individual fabrics.