Thank you ladies, these are just the sort of details I'm looking for. I know some local quilt shows have had appraisers, and you had to make an appointment, but never knew the approximate fee. I would definitely want the written variety.
Carrieg, have you submitted your appraisal to your insurance carrier? I'm sure your grandmother's quilt is irreplaceable, but it might be beneficial to get it accounted for with them.
You say the appraiser asked a lot of questions...I'm sure that was to help her date the fabrics. For a self-made (newer) quilt, I'm assuming it would be wise to bring along records (or evidence) of your fabrics value/origins. Any input on that?