Quilt Appraisals
 

A friend of mine has a hand-pieced grandmothers garden quilt top that her great grandma made in the 1920's. it is in pristine condition. She wants to have it finished into a quilt. Before anyone quilts this, we suggested that she get a professional opinion from a certified appraiser. So, a few weeks later, I was honored to sit in on the appraisal. What an interesting experience listening to an expert discuss the quilt top, the technique used, quality of the fabric (not a feedsack, better!) and to hear her recommendations for completing the quilt. I loved her outlook on quilts and quilt tops. My friend was very pleased with the appraisal and the next steps to finish it. No, I do not know what the $$$ worth is for the quilt top but I don't need to know . The overall experience was fascinating! And worth the $$$ to have a written appraisal done.

So, has anyone else had an appraisal done or sat in on one? It was pretty cool!

Sandy

I have never had an appraisal done nor sat in on one. But it sounds fascinating. I keep thinking that I should get a couple of my quilts appraised. May I ask the name of the appraiser? Did you use a certified quilt appraisaer? Was the quilt appraised for insurance value? I understand that there are different values that appraisers appraise for. Like: insurance, retail, replace and there is another catagory that I can't think of right now.

sounds fascinating

Bobbielinks, i will have to find her name. Yes, she was AQS certified. She lives in the Chicago area. Where in Mo. Are you? There should be appraisers in Mo. Check with shops and guilds for info. . Check with AQS for a list of certified appraisers.

The appraisal was meant to get a professional opinion on how to proceed with finishing the quilt top. Not necessarily for the "value" of it tho perhaps for insurance purpose but I did not ask nor do I need to know the the Appraised value. I wanted to hear the comments and see the process.

Interestingly, tho the quilt top was hand-pieced, the appraiser suggested machine quilting to secure the seams and keep it held together. Her word was that is was "appropriate" to machine quilt the top since "machine quilting" has been performed for decades even during the 1920's. AND the method of quilting did not compromise the value of it. It made no difference in fact. I found that fascinating.

Sandy

I sat in on one that was done at our quild. It was fascinating to know that EVERYTHING is taken into consideration including the time it took to make each part i.e. piecing, quilting and binding. We were amazed and pleased at the value of the quilt.

Yes, I have and, like you, I found it both interesting and enlightening. I have a quilt made by an ancestor that actually has documentation which dates it at 1867. Surprisingly, it is in pretty good shape although the fabric is showing signs of deterioration. I have 3 copies of the appraisal...one I gave to our insurance co., one I have with our personal records, and 1 that I keep with the quilt.

This is so interesting. I'll have to look further into it.

I had an appraisal done today on a double irishchain red & white quilt I inherited. It was totally interesting to hear her thoughts on the workmanship & fabric age. This was an AQS certified appraiser. Our guild had her come for an appraisal day, lining up several appointments for the day.

I had a quilt appraised - wanted to know if the family story was correct as to the time period, etc. Turns out the quilt was made in the late 1800's, was pieced by machine and hand quilted. It was a utilitarian quilt - not a thing of great beauty but my grandfather helped piece it when he was very young. It is worth about $350.00 - not a great deal of money but the history lesson was worth the price of the appraisal.

I tend to disagree with your "not a great deal of money". I thought that figure was decent esp when we read about ladies on this board who feel guilty charging a fair price for their quilts in todays world. How many lovely quilts are "given away" vs covering their materials and labor???? Without your appraisal info, your quilt may have ended up in a rummage sale for $5 or in the doggies bed. NOT saying that you had those intentions but a uninformed person would not value an old quilt even if they knew the history. I say congratulaions on your heirloom!

Sandy