I usually fall back on "Oh, wow!" (most people take this as a compliment, even if you're thinking, oh wow, how ugly!!! LOL) And then find something to compliment. You can always find something you like if you look. Even if it's just one of the fabrics in it. Say, Oh, wow, I love that purple fabric in there. Where did you get that? or, How bright and happy looking! or, I've always liked that pattern, or (if all else fails) You must be really proud!! And they probably are!

I agree, lets not trample the flower down, before it bloomed.

I second that! I don't want to be that person either! On one of the first quilts that I pieced, someone noticed that one of the HST's wasn't perfectly aligned with the next block over. She was actually gleeful about finding the boo-boo!
:hunf:

It changed the dynamic of our friendship a bit....

I love craft shows and have been doing them for 15 years. I am new to quitling so my items where from different crafts. I have had people come up and praise my work, ask about it and make me feel so good. Then I have had oeople come up with their nose in the air and put my work down or give a disgusted look. Then you have the ones who act like they are at a flea market and offer you half or less. I once made a bunch of aprons from several different fabrics, chili peppers, bright colored horses , the bare chested cowboys, to name a few. I had pot holders and placemats to match. This woman wanted to buy my aprons for $1 a piece, no sale. She were to the. Show manager and tryed to get her to force me to sell them to her, didn't work. The woman got so mad she had to be escorted off the site.

My DH just suggested that I say: "Interesting choices, not my preference, but if it works for you." (If you just got to say something.)

AMEN!! Unless you know the maker personally, say something positive. Isn't there a parable in the bible about Jesus commenting on the shining white teeth of dead rotting dog?

Clem 55 and nanna-up-north said it well.

Ask them how they chose the pattern, what made them choose the fabric, how long have they been quilting, did they enjoy making the quilt, what would they do differently, what is their next project...
Go away making them feel better and with a smile on their face.
No need to burst their bubble. They will remember negative comments, half-hearted comments, and facial expressions far longer than necessary. Make this world a better place.

I call it the new primitive. I actually think there is a market for it. If she is happy it doesn't matter. Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe great beach quilts? I personallyy like the homey dorky look but am too precise myself to make quilts like that. I bet the lady has more fun quilting then I do. My new DIL's mother quilts and makes these wonky odd quilts with all kinds of recycled fabrics and ties them. She was always so critical of herself. I love the new primitive look and wished I could quilt like that. I gave her my Gwen Marston Liberated Quilting book to let her know she is not the only one.

http://gwenmarston.com/

Welll said!

this makes me think of the Gee's Bend quilts - nothing is straight, none of the seams match, some people hate the layout and color combos yet these quilts are extremely popular in the art community and sell for a lot of money.

just because a quilt is not your style or taste doesn't mean it isn't great art that others will love.

say something nice and move on to another topic.