Is this the Auction in Clare? I was considering going myself.

Clara Kupk.....????? from Canada makes stunning quilts. I can't spell the last name. Where in Michigan are you going?

Marcia

I attended a spring auction in Lancaster County, PA last week. The quilts were all made in the community by Amish or Mennonite quilters but were newly made. I was disappointed that I saw only one vintage quilt which was a snow ball of ordinary quality. I didn't see the final value of that. The sale was a benefit for the community fire house. There were many bidders. Most of the quilts were 90 by 100 approximately and the final prices ranged from 250 to 750. One quilt sold at 1000.00. The auction began with more than 200 quilts. My opinion is that in time a signed, dated quilt of good quality and design will hold it's value or appreciate. The Amish made quilts are considered collectible but I agree with thinking of the quilts as "art.". That doesn't mean the monetary value will increase. Just my 2 cents on this topic :)

Hmong embroidery is beautiful and has been shown in art galleries (Long Beach, CA in the late 1980's). The embroideries tell a story. Whether you buy quilts, or anything else, buy because you like it. Investments in anything are "iffy" right now. Except maybe Facebook stock...if you can get in on the initial offering! LOL

I never thought of a quilt as an investment.

Remember an Amish quilt and a quilt made by the Amish are two different things. Real Amish quilts use black and the bright Amish colors. Most quilts I've seen at auctions are "quilts made by the Amish". Imthink you need to buy something you like and is "valuable to you".

If you mean the traditional, antique Amish quilts in deep solid colors ... yes they CAN be a good investment ...
If you mean a recent Amish quilt made of print fabrics ? not so much ... it won't be worth much more than ANY hand-made quilt you'd buy in the US. Evidently they don't make many in the beautiful solid colors anymore ... a real shame.
Buyer beware ... do your research ... they may or may NOT be made by the Amish (Hmong piecers etc) or may only be quilted by them. We saw a lot of "Amish" quilts two years ago at a big auction here in Texas - they were NOT well made and all in 1980's calicos ...

Ive been to the sale in Clare a few times, but have never sat in on the auction. It is always very crowded in there and i couldnt even get in to look at the quilts. We are usually gone for the holidays and this year we are around but busy getting ready for my DS and family's visit next month. Probably wont get to go. Sigh. If i were to buy a quilt, i think i would get one because i love it and not so much for an investment. My Dh probably wouldnt let me buy one cuz i could just make it( his words) but i've seen many out there that i wouldn't even attempt. Too intricate! And past my ability.good luck if you go!

i would say take that $1,000.00 and buy facebook stock. the initial ipo is today. it's a sure bet that asset will appreciate in value.:thumbup:

I agree with you. Buy it because you love it and will use it. I can't imagine it would appreciate in any valuable way in your life or your children's so why take the chance. If you're looking for investment opportunities, I don't think an Amish quilt would be it. But that s not to say they aren't worth the money. A car is not really an investment either and look now much we pay for those!