There may be a degree of undercover cop lurking within me. However, as an undercover, I say nothing, but learn from others, be it perfection, a happy little misfortune, or major misalignment. If I find something, which, in my mind, is disagreeable, I ask myself what I might have done differently.

Colors are definitely individual choices and often depend on fabric availability, so is often a non issue. However, I see things which would not have been my choice, but in someone else's quilt - the choices and combinations work. I make mental note not to dismiss that as a possibility in my future.

Pattern will showcase a technique. Mental note to self: gotta get that one; or, good one to keep in mind; or, I'm not ready for that one; or, GOOD GRIEF! Makes me dizzy, Good for that quilter who spent the time and effort. Are they still sane?; or, nice pattern, but I think I may have modified that by adding cornerstones or stashing or ... to break up that concentration of color.

Technique: Poor alignment - note to self, remember to pin or glue; wobbly seams - been there, done that, remember to slow down; block upside down or wrong side out - Oops, no need to unsew the entire row, here's how to recover. (ask me how I know).

Multiple problems on an experienced quilters project: We are our own judges, and are more critical of our work than anyone else. They have probably already kicked themselves, and are looking for a ray of sunshine before donating the quilt to the animal shelter. So I think, "Was the quilter in a big hurry? Why didn't the seams get pressed?; Wow, look at all those puckers! Was this a failure to pre-wash?; Adam 12, where are you?

I was the same way about rag quilts. I couldn't see why anyone would waste their time making something so uninteresting (ugly). I have now made four of them, first for my hubby, then two for my granddaughters and the last for my SIL. They are quick to make and soft and cuddly for them. I don't worry about wear and tear on them like I would on a quilt. My husband thanks me often for his and the grands are always talking about Nanny making something for them, can't beat that.

My four year old granddaughter said the cutest thing the other day. I took my embroidery machine and extra sewing machine to her mom on my last trip so she could make some things for the girls. My granddaughter was standing what my daughter considered too close to Nanny's machines and ask her what was she doing. My granddaugher said she was smelling, they smell just like Nanny. Apparently my perfume smell got on the machines as I carried them. Just too cute, does a Nanny's heart good!

I have also found that what I didn't like when I first started quilting, colors or design, I am starting to like now.

My grandmother would show us the quilts she would be working on when we would go for a visit. I thought those were the ugliest quilts I had ever seen, (all of ten years old). I now think back and would love to see or even own some of those quilts. I continue over time to look at quilts with different eyes. I have expanded what I like with different colors and designs.

I like them all! :D

Everyone has different tastes and talent. But, love goes into each and every quilt. So why would anyone say something negative. Most of the time, I just cannot find the words to express how impressed I am with some of the quilts on this board.

Ditto. I would never say anything to demean or discourage another person's taste or ability. If asked, I would offer constructive criticism. Remember what mother always said, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

I'd revert back to what my Mom told me. "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" If pressed I would find something positive to say about the quilt. Maybe gently offer a hint on how to make points match or whatever I could think of quickly not to hurt feelings.

That just seems like what my mother always said "If you can't say anything nice..." you know the rest!

I would never give negative feedback even if I thought it. It might be the best work they are capable of due to unknown reasons. - J

I haven't seen one that isn't pretty, reflecting the color and pattern choice and and all the love and time that went into the quilt -- some, however, would not have been my choice to display in my house (I am a bad cow)