my queen sized black hand appliqued quilt was appraised for $3700;
my king sized neutrals crazy quilt appraisal was $4200.
my king sized dragon fly quilt...$5400

my ricky timms convergence quilt (full sized)--$230...

the value of a quilt is based on many things...complexity of pattern...commercial pattern or self-designed.
fabrics and materials used...common available everywhere, or more difficult to find---
quality of materials
time involved, and techniques used.

often i think...why should i make that quilt when i can visit jc penneys and buy it for $189...it would cost me $400 just for materials....that is the difference...a person can have the same quilt as a few thousand other people have...or they can pay a bit more and have something no one else has...or ever will...
i NEVER make the same quilt twice...so any quilt from me is original and you will never find another one...and since i dye alot of my own fabrics no one can really copy one of mine either...they may be able to copy the design but can not replicate the fabrics...which also increases the value.

I would just explain to her how you do your costs. :)

I believe if she doesn't want to spend $800, there are some patterns that are easy to make, so less time. Debbie Maddey has easier star quilts

http://www.calicocarriage.com/

I made a queen for a wedding gift for a client... the quilting on mine is on the higher end of quilting, I used a double batting and free hand quilted it.(the first clip of a photo, I can't locate the entire quilt)
The second photo is one I put together, in a day or two, easy pattern but the look is great, and a overall design for the quilting.
These two quilts are moderately priced, because of the ease in piecing.
I never skimp on the fabric, batting, thread, always use the best and you won't be unhappy with the outcome. Many have sales you can find fabric easily www. quiltshops.com
I have the client look at fabric lines on line and we look for the best buy. I have them put down 50% upfront.

I make consignment quilts. In the $1000 range for a king is not unusual. This ofcourse depends on the material used, pattern and quilting done on it.

A friend of mine paid $900 for an Amish-made queen size quilt 10 years ago. I'd give them the estimate and I'm sure their reaction will give you the answer.

I think you are right on the money. I usually figure about $20 an hour for my time. I also figure the machine quilting into that as well. It does feel like a lot of money, but there are some out there that appreciate the craft.

Is it because she's your friend? That shouldn't matter: you still have all the costs and time invested. As friends, you want to be truthful and fair with each other. Keep that in mind and go for it. Imagine how much your work will be appreciated! What a wonderful opportunity for you!

Of course she could purchase a king size quilt from a department store for a much cheaper price, however a "real quilt" meaning handmade and to her specification is worth much more than department store quilts. It is also one of a kind. 3 X's the amount of material. $800 would be a bargin. Don't sell yourself short. Be sure you sign the quilt.

I won a quilt this year at a Quilt show and also received a free appraisal. It was an applique quilt designed by one of the makers and machine stitched by another. A third did the long-arming which was very explicit.

All in all, the quilt was appraised at $1875.00. The woman who did the appraisal had certain guidelines as to what the quilt was worth; size, design, etc.

Please do not feel guilty about charging $800. Your expertise, fabric shopping, cutting, sewing, and quilting more than justify your price. I made a twin quilt once (machine appliqued by me) that I had professionally quilted. Between the cost of the many different fabrics needed, the applique designs, all the stabilizer, and the quilting (plus large tip), I had almost $450 invested in that quilt.
I understand your apprehension in quoting the price of $800. That is a lot of money, and so many people have little idea of the true cost of a handmade quilt, but quilters should never diminish their talent or time "just to be nice".

Explain to her the cost of material, and give her a realistic (don't underestimate) amount of time needed to make her quilt. You might also mention the quality of fabrics, and your methods, ie. hand sewing the binding to the back, one of a kind quilt label, and type of quilting (meandering or labor intensive feathering etc.) you plan to do.

She might surprise you by not only saying "go for it", but also she might appreciate the one of kind quilt you will be making for her all the more. ;)