Quilts as wedding gifts
 

For those who make quilts for wedding gifts, I heard an excellent idea & thought I'd share. We had a speaker at our guild who was a quilt appraiser and historian. She suggested getting a written appraisal of the quilt and include it with the quilt. To paraphrase her – these young people today don’t know the value of a quilt, but they do understand money! If they see in writing the value of your gift, they will appreciate it more.

She was a wonderful speaker. She was either Mennonite or Amish from Indiana. Said so many only think of getting their antique quilts appraised, but the ones we make today are also very valuable. Not just the fabric, but our time. She says we as quilters do not place enough value on our time. She rattled off the per-hour rate for piecing, applique, binding, etc., and it was enlightening.

That's an interesting viewpoint - has a lot of merit.

Yes, women (and many men) tend to undervalue themselves in so many ways. Appraisals done by a professional seems like one of the only way of not only waking up the person to his value in monetary terms, but conferring some real dignity and status to the most important thing of real value in a person's life-his/her time. As time is something that is not renewable.

I'm gonna play devil's advocate here for a moment:

When we originally got our house appraised (as first time homebuyers, 15 years ago), and when I got some antique (and terribly battered) books appraised this spring, and when I watched Antiques Roadshow on various occasions, I was startled by the subjectivity of the process. Ultimately an item is as valuable as the market says it is...and it is in an appraiser's best interest to give you a high number. I fully agree that quilt labor is seriously undervalued, but it is also consistently undervalued, which suggests that the market is setting a value that no amount of appraisals is going to change! I wish it were otherwise.

I would also be a tiny bit afraid that poverty-stricken newlyweds might see a high number on the appraisal ticket, and try to sell their brand new quilt! (Cynical me.)

Alison

Interesting and worth noting. I myself may word it in such a way to say that 'today's appraised value is $----', and include something to the effect that the 'heirloom' value increases. Great idea!

Hi "Cynical".....I'm right there with you; but I also like NanaCsews2 idea to include "heirloom" value. Kids (anyone younger than 35) may not recognize the value YET....monetary or otherwise.

If I bought someone a gift, I wouldn't leave the price sticker on it, so why would do that? I only give a quilt when I know the person wants it. Making it a surprise is very risky. It might mean they would feel obliged to display it even if it's not their taste, or they might just pack it away. Cost is less important than the pleasure someone would have in the gift. Maybe if they love you, they are touched by your kindness, but you need to be very sensitive to what they like, not just what you do. If they have a registry, look at what they asked for and try to find out their color choices, decorating style, etc. If you already know they like traditional stuff, you might be safer. I asked my daughters what they wanted, some were very specific, as they were later with baby quilts. One appreciates whatever I give her and loves the appliqued tree of life I designed for her.

I only give quilts to those who have an understanding of what it is they are really recieving. If they don't have a clue .. then clearly they do not know me very well and not be on my list as "quilt worthy".

You wouldn't be referring to Donna Kooistra, by any chance? She is a terrific appraiser and she is absolutely correct! Most non-quilters have no idea of the value of the gift they are receiving, and therefore do not take appropriate care of it.
A written appraisal is a wonderful idea. I would also include detailed care instructions, so that the recipients are able to preserve their gift.

Amen. I give quilts to those who I value. Most know what goes into the quilt. Those that don't frankly, IMO, aren't going to be persuaded by an appraisal.

To me, a quilt is a gift from the heart, and you can't put a price tag on that. A gift is a gift, regardless of what it is. You should give it with the best intentions and let it go. For every person that does not appreciate it there are ten recievers that do.

I understand the idea and I agree that non quilters don't appreciate what goes into a quilt. That being said, I think it would be tacky to give someone a quilt with a "oh, it's worth this much" tag attached. Same as with someone suggesting writing on the label how many hours go into a quilt. I completely understand the idea behind it, but I feel like that's kinda shoving in the person's face that they should value it because here's how much it's worth or here's how many hours I spent. For Xmas, I gave my friends quilts and each one cost about $100. They don't need to know that. I'd rather they didn't. I think it takes away from doing something that I enjoy to give to people that I care about.

quilts appraised by AQS certified appraisers generally receive an (Insurance appraisal)---not a market price appraisal- and the appraisal clearly states it is for insurance purposes- not for re-sale. I've had a number of quilts appraised- and passed the appraisal on with the quilt in a few occassions- my daughter's wedding quilt being one of them- we did not look at it as leaving the price tag on---it has nothing to do with a price-
it has to do with having accurate documentation so if something should happen (the house burns down) there is a record of the value of the quilt for the insurance company- without an appraisal an insurance company is not going to give you the value of a quilt- only replacement costs of going to the local retailer & replacing bedding.
i have sold a couple quilts that also have appraisals with them- the selling price was no where near the appraisal value---again- an appraisal is not a market value-it's an insurance value. getting an appraisal is nothing like...Antiques Road Show

I agree with this statement. As well as quilting, I have a keen interest in Antiques and Collectables. We purchased a stunning and rare piece of retro Art Glass on the occasion of the engagement of my eldest stepson (he and his now bride have their own building and design company). We included an insurance valuation......which they appreciated greatly.

I agree with Lori S. I only want to give wedding quilts to those who actually want them. There is way to much time and expense for something someone just might want. Also, my tastes may be very different from someone else's. I sent an email to various relatives letting them know I had in mind to make a wedding quilt for each member of the next generation. My nephew said, "Thanks but no thanks, not our thing." Others were excited by the idea. they had a right to their choices. I am ambivalent about the message of an appraisal.

I just gave a quilt last month for a wedding, the couple loves it and appreciates it. Her mom has bought many quilts over the years, so I am confident the bride knows the cost of quilts in this case but a very good point you made. It is important they know the value of the quilt and the gift of time that went into it!

Yes, that is who it was. She was a wonderful speaker. I have read on this forum & others about giving quilts that you later find being used as a dog bed. So many people think the value of a quilt is what you pay for it at Wal Mart. I thought it was a good idea she had to let people know this is an heirloom gift. Of course, as an appraiser that also gives her more business. LOL

Our speaker told us she had an appraisal done on an elaborate wedding quilt she gave to her son. Her daughter-in-law took the quilt to be dry cleaned (oh no) and they "lost" it. When they told the dry cleaner they would file a claim with their appraisal, the quilt was "found".

Another woman made a quilt for another daughter-in-law and the girl was quite dismissive until she saw the ribbons won by the woman. For some shallow people, status and money are all they recognize.

thanks, I am about to give two as gifts.

A great idea.

If I received a quilt with such an appraisal on it, I would think it was as tacky as deliberately leaving a pricetag on. It would offend me...

I have started incorporating my labels into the backing of my quilts and quilting them into the quilt, so they cannot be re-gifted easily or if stolen, the identity will be hard to hide. If I am giving a quilt to someone who is ignorant of the value of the quilt, I'll figure out a way to tell them that if someone they know is interested in a quilt of about the same size, I'll be happy to make one for them but tell them that the price will start at $500 and go up. That way they have an understanding of the value of the quilt, and I just might get another quilt sold!

I see no difference in works of art whether they are quilts, oil paintings or jewelry. If I made the setting and put a precious stone in it and gave that piece of jewelry as a gift, I would include an insurance appraisal. If I painted a painting worth many hundreds of dollars I would give an insurance appraisal with it. I see no difference with a beautiful handmade quilt. Not everyone is fortunate enough to receive gifts with a value that deserves to be insured.

The only people I would give a quilt to for a wedding present are my children, and they know how valuable they are, more so than monetary value.

I saw recently that the going rate for appraisals starts at $45.

We run that risk when we give away a quilt, like putting a child out for adoption. After we put hundreds of hours into something, it be comes part of you. Only give it to someone who cares. Many don't even have a clue. Todays socity has become a "throw away" society and few value these things we cherish. I must admit, I didn't realize how much work went into quilting until I made them myself.
Years ago, I rode horses (a lot) and my dear little neighbor lady quilted a saddle pad for my horse, for under the saddle. Looking back, she must have loved me a lot, or my horse. Thank you Mrs. Long.

I agree with this completely. Adding the price seems tacky to me, plus you will be out an appraisal fee. If there is any reason to doubt that your gift will be appreciated, why do it at all? Almost everyone these days uses a bridal registry. Save yourself potential grief, and save the gift of your talents for those you know will be deserving.

I find this thread interesting especially this week as I will be giving two wedding quilts this weekend, both of my DD's are getting married this summer and they are having a shared shower this weekend. They know the value of quilts as they have been here for many years watching them being made. I tend to give quilts at the bridal showers because there you do get to see the reactions, at the weddings so many times anymore they donot open the gifts. Which IMHO is quite boring. Both my girls still live with DH and myself, and one of the girls asked if they were getting wedding quilts, I said why do you ask, she replied mom everyone gets one of your quilts when they get married. (Ha Ha) I can't believe she isn't more observant than that. I worked on one all fall and winter long almost every evening, and now it has mysterously disappered. Can't hardly wait to see their reactions.

I only give quilts to who I know will appreciate the work I put into it. Usually family and mostly baby quilts.

In our society there are so many divorces that i do not give quilts as wedding gifts i use to but not anymore

The last quilt I had appraised was for $1200 and I know many quilters who would never assign such a price to their quilt. When lost, stolen or destroyed, their insurance would never come close to that amount without an appraisal. Newlyweds do not always have the extra money for an appraisal and MAY appreciate this being part of the gift. When I sell quilts the appraisal is a huge help in determining a price and value to the buyer. At least that is how I look at it!

But if the house DOES burn down, would you accept the appraisal value to make a replacement ?

Okay so I'm new to quilting and as I'm reading this I'm think other than the fabric my quilts really cant be worth much. But maybe one day they might actually be worth something. So where would you go and get a estimate on a quilt?

Diane

I'm finishing a quilt for a friend of my daughter. I asked for the colors and she hopes this quilt will be handed down to her children. I was touched by her words. She definitely will cherish this quilt.

"poverty stricken" newyweds??? The ones I come in contact with have purchased their newly constructed house prior to their "special day", she has a rock on her finger and the wedding is over the top. And yes, some of these "poor" newlyweds are shortly out of college and not employed but they have to have it all!

Frankly, unless the hppy couple is actively part of the quilt construction ( input on design, colors etc) I am not taking a chance on giving them a quilt. It implies that they are obligated to use it even if they don't like it. My 2 cents

While I can understand the desire to show the happy couple hw much the quilt appraised fr, I'm not sure of what the impact will be. Like that rock on Her finger, appraised Values are always inflated for insurance purposes. Now that s a reason to include it. Insure it!

As another poster pointed out.....market price is what someone is willing to pay. I learned this in my marketing class oh so many years ago. So true!
Sandy



Sandy

Diane,

With fabric costing $10-$15 per yard and batting $15-$30 a yard, that is not cheap. Add in the cost of machine quilting (assuming you don't have your own longarm - a significant investment) at $100+++, the value of a quilt just for the monetary investment of the quilter isn't small change. Unfortunately, many people see the $40 quilts at Wal-Mart and think that is the value of a custom-made, hand-crafted quilt and treat them as such. To find out the value of a quilt, it needs to be appraised by a certified quilt appraiser.

Thanks for the response Farm Quilter but where do you find someone to appraise a quilt?

Thanks
Diane