Originally Posted by JanieW
I read the quilt police thread and some of the comments made me think about the issue of giving false praise.
When someone has made a quilt that is poorly put together or there isn't enough contrast with colour choices, or it just plain doesn't look right, are we being fair by complimenting them?
I don't believe in embarrassing a person by pointing out mistakes or telling them that they have to do it the "right" way. I don't believe in telling someone their work is lovely when it isn't. Being positive and encouraging is essential, but damning with faint praise is harmful.
Where is the line between trying to help someone improve their skills and being the dreaded hated quilt police?
It is quite possible that what you re looking at IS an improvement over what the quilter has done in the past. To continue to find fault when people are trying to improve is very discouraging to those who are tyring to move forward. When people ask for help with a project, want to know what needs change, etc., the person acting as critic can gently offer advice.
But be careful even then. After all, what do you want your husband/friend or other to say when you ask, "Do I look fat in these jeans?"