How Much is a Quilt Worth?
#21
I feel kind of bad right now. A few years ago I went to a quilt auction and paid $250 for a queen size Amish quilt. At that time, I thought it was rediculously expensive. Oh, how your point of view changes.
#23
Thanks for all the advice and comments. Hopefully this helps others who have wondered or felt the same way about this topic.
When I consider that I will have $400 in materials and then my time it doesn't seem so much after all. Really I do want to be fair to myself about my time and I will be hand quilting this king size quilt. You girls have helped me to look at this project in a better way. I am going to rethink this some more and not let myself feel so guilty. I would never pay that much for a quilt, but then again, I know how to make quilts.
When I consider that I will have $400 in materials and then my time it doesn't seem so much after all. Really I do want to be fair to myself about my time and I will be hand quilting this king size quilt. You girls have helped me to look at this project in a better way. I am going to rethink this some more and not let myself feel so guilty. I would never pay that much for a quilt, but then again, I know how to make quilts.
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Pacific NW USA
Posts: 883
This situation is simply crying out for open communication before agreeing to it.
Spend some time talking to them to find out what they really want. Do they want an investment in hand made art, or something to toss on the bed for a few months, a bed that they may share with their pets? :shock:
If they do want a beautiful hand made quilt, then it's up to you to educate them on the amount time and effort that goes into it, and especially the anticipated price. Perhaps they would like to talk to a quilt appraiser before beginning, or get the quilt appraised when it is completed.
If you don't communicate, then simply hand them the quilt and a bill for $800 or more, they may well be shocked and angry, and rightfully so....because they simply had no idea what to expect, and you didn't tell them. And how would you feel if your quilt was appraised for, say $3,200 and you only asked for $800?
Once they understand what they are asking for, and if they decide that they truly want the hand made piece, then making the quilt will be a joyful process for all of you. If they decide they are not ready for that commitment, then you are all spared.
By the way, Libby Lehman prices her quilts, and has no trouble receiving, $400 per square foot! :thumbup:
Spend some time talking to them to find out what they really want. Do they want an investment in hand made art, or something to toss on the bed for a few months, a bed that they may share with their pets? :shock:
If they do want a beautiful hand made quilt, then it's up to you to educate them on the amount time and effort that goes into it, and especially the anticipated price. Perhaps they would like to talk to a quilt appraiser before beginning, or get the quilt appraised when it is completed.
If you don't communicate, then simply hand them the quilt and a bill for $800 or more, they may well be shocked and angry, and rightfully so....because they simply had no idea what to expect, and you didn't tell them. And how would you feel if your quilt was appraised for, say $3,200 and you only asked for $800?
Once they understand what they are asking for, and if they decide that they truly want the hand made piece, then making the quilt will be a joyful process for all of you. If they decide they are not ready for that commitment, then you are all spared.
By the way, Libby Lehman prices her quilts, and has no trouble receiving, $400 per square foot! :thumbup:
#25
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: IL Quad-cities
Posts: 252
Recently at our quilt show, an appraiser gave insurance values for several quilts. Most queen-sized quilts appraised in the $1200 to $1600 range, depending on the quilting and piecing/applique quality. I think $800 for a king-size is a bargain!! I don't really have an answer for how to educate a non-quilter about value.
#26
I have been a handquilter for hire. I am very fast in comparison to most non Amish people. I start my prices just for the quilting at $.10 a square inch. Then I charge additional for marking , binding etc. If I have to supply the back and batting I sell it to them at my cost. My best customer was a woman who owns a custom framing shop. She was also a musuem curator. She had inherited at least half a dozen tops from her grandmother. She didn't batt an eyelash at paying my prices.
Last year I made what ended up as two T shirt quilts for a couple. The majority of that was machine quilted but I had to put together the tops. Their son had gone to Harvard on a full scholarship for wrestling. The quilt was a real pain as they gave me t-sirts, sweatshirts and even wrestling shorts that they wanted included. When I handed them the bill the look on the woman's face was priceless. She wrote me out a check and her husband asked if he could refer me to his friens.
I have a feeling the other brother will be getting a quilt one of these days.
While I have no problem doing the quilting I don't think I would make a quilt from start to finish for anyone else unless it was wholecloth or another T shirt quilt. Piecing and tradional applique are not my thing.
Last year I made what ended up as two T shirt quilts for a couple. The majority of that was machine quilted but I had to put together the tops. Their son had gone to Harvard on a full scholarship for wrestling. The quilt was a real pain as they gave me t-sirts, sweatshirts and even wrestling shorts that they wanted included. When I handed them the bill the look on the woman's face was priceless. She wrote me out a check and her husband asked if he could refer me to his friens.
I have a feeling the other brother will be getting a quilt one of these days.
While I have no problem doing the quilting I don't think I would make a quilt from start to finish for anyone else unless it was wholecloth or another T shirt quilt. Piecing and tradional applique are not my thing.
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: currently central new jersey
Posts: 8,623
Originally Posted by Lneal
Thanks for all the advice and comments. Hopefully this helps others who have wondered or felt the same way about this topic.
When I consider that I will have $400 in materials and then my time it doesn't seem so much after all. Really I do want to be fair to myself about my time and I will be hand quilting this king size quilt. You girls have helped me to look at this project in a better way. I am going to rethink this some more and not let myself feel so guilty. I would never pay that much for a quilt, but then again, I know how to make quilts.
When I consider that I will have $400 in materials and then my time it doesn't seem so much after all. Really I do want to be fair to myself about my time and I will be hand quilting this king size quilt. You girls have helped me to look at this project in a better way. I am going to rethink this some more and not let myself feel so guilty. I would never pay that much for a quilt, but then again, I know how to make quilts.
btw: i never understood how anyone can come up with a formula such as '3x the cost'. that doesn't take into consideration the hst, or inset triangles or 1" unfinished pieces. compare that to all squares or larger blocks or strips. the yardage costs may be the same, but the work is as different as night and day. how can they be judged by the same formula?
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 3,255
Originally Posted by Lneal
The problem is me :D She picked out the pattern, told me both husband and herself decided they wanted me to make the quilt. The cost is not an issue, so I am assuming it is the choice for handmade. But why do I feel so guilty about charging this much?
I use top quality material and they are willing to pay the price. Maybe I will feel better once I have given them the estimate and find out their reaction. Which I am sure it will be to make the quilt :D :D
I use top quality material and they are willing to pay the price. Maybe I will feel better once I have given them the estimate and find out their reaction. Which I am sure it will be to make the quilt :D :D
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