To quote Thumper: "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all" I always try to find the positive in anyone's art. If they don't ask for my help, I probably should not give it.

Kind words are always appreciated by me. I know my quilting and piecing are not up to others standards and I keep working to improve, but . . . When viewing others work I do find something I like. My best quilting friend and I have very different styles, color choices and pattern likes and dislikes. I have learned to appreciate hers and she graciously appreciates mine. Only by the encouragement of others have I found my quilting gene and the comfort of my own expression in quilting.

I try to say something nice about the pattern - ask how long it took to make it - whatever... I'm sure there have been people disappointed in my projects but at least they didn't tell me. :D

If it is the first quilt for this person I would say something like "I admire your persistance in getting it done. What are your plans for the next one"?

If you don't know much about this person's background such as self-taught, might have Parkinson's as mentioned already in post above, I would be very careful and whatever you do don't say anthing negative. Let the person talk more about the quilt and her quilting background and then if it fits in, wait for the opportunity to tell her about an upcoming quilting class at LQS in a way not indicating that she needs to attend but that it would be fun to go to one.

We have a gal in our guild who isn't an accurate piecer and picks fabrics that are a bit dull and flat, but her quilting gives her joy so we love her work as we love her. Sometimes it is difficult to find words of praise when she shows her quilts, but we manage to 'good for you' or 'how nice!' and we clap just the same. Think of the person, not the work?

My Grandmother always told us... "if you dont have anything nice to say, dont say anything at all."

I'm with you! I work with high functioning special ed elementary kids. The experts say with kids that one negative comment can wipe out 14 positive ones! I try to give mostly positive feedback (unless discipline for the safety and functionality of the group is required.) Who knows how many negative comments they have had elsewhere?

Kindness will go a long way to encouraging the person to keep on trying and improving with practice, even if all you can manage is to admire one fabric in an entire crazy quilt.

i think i would stick by the rule "if you cant say anything nice, dont say anything at all"

If I don't have a nice thing to say, I just walk on by.