Another good thought.

i have a couple quilts that have been appraised for insurance purposes---if you do not have an appraisal- and (heaven forbid) the house burns down- replacement would only get you a blanket from Penneys---not what you claimed to be the value of a quilt---an appraisal is needed for that-
if you make utility quilts- that will be used, abused, and worn out= no reason to worry about it- if you make an heirloom you think will still be around 100 years from now- well that one you would want to spring for that appraisal.

on my labels i put the quilt name, my name- any pattern/designer information (if i used someone's commercial pattern/design)
city, state, date-
if it has special meaning and for a specific person i will include that information-
fiber content- and care instructions.
one of the ones i've had appraised was a gift- and i did give the appraisal paper work with the quilt- so she does know it's value-and has proof for her insurance company.

i want them used so i don't stress people out with $$ signs-

one of the others i had appraised i did for market value- because i was selling the quilt- and wanted to be able to charge alot- it cost alot to make it and i didn't want to take a huge loss.

when you have a quilt appraised you (usually) recieve and insurance value---not market value on the quilt-

i'm sure location matters and fees vary- in my neck of the woods it costs about $30 to have an appraisal
if you visit the AMERICAN QUILTERS SOCIETY they have a list of certified appraisers- from all over the country
many times at quilt shows they will have appraisers (on hand) that you can make an appointment with and have quilts appraised at the show (they do not need to be part of the show)

i do not give a price of what i spent to make the quilt - it would be far lower then what the quilt would appraise for since i dye/paint/etc all my fabric instead of using mass produced fabric lines.

my customers know what they paid for the quilt and could have it appraised if they so wish.

my friends and family that might receive a quilt as a gift know that i do this for a living and know the prices of my work so they too know the value and could have it appraised if they so wish.

A story either verbally or written [the preferred method] would be a great idea ... esp if it is for someone special. some quilters make an envelope out of their labels and put the story inside of the label as well ... having printed it out on material. Nice idea.

Price ... that I wouldn't include. However, if I put a lot of $$ and talent into it I might have it appraised and give the appraisal to the person receiving the quilt. You can always find local and reputable certified quilt appraisers through LQS's or your state quilting guild.

One friend gave a family member a quilt that appraised over $1500. Her work was fantastic and individualized to the recipient.

ali