Quilt Appraisals: Why Do It?

As many of you know who have read my blog regularly, I made a crazy quilt that took me nine years to complete. My heart and soul are stitched into that quilt. I could not begin to replace so many of the fabrics, trims and historical memorabilia that I have collected over the years to complete my quilt. Before I entered the quilt in the NQA show in Columbus, Ohio I decided it was very important to have the quilt appraised. A written appraisal will determine the value for replacement with similar like and kind when shipping your quilt, displaying it in a quilt show or any loss or damage. Rarely, will standard homeowners insurance cover your quilt while it is being exhibited in a quilt show. In order to keep the cost of insurance reasonable for event organizers, quilts are valued at a set limit, (often $500 for large quilts and $250 for small quilts) unless a written appraisal by a recognized expert accompanies the quilt. This is the reason that the American Quilter’s Society in Paducah, KY started the Quilt Appraisal Certification Program This establishes guidelines and criteria for setting realistic replacement values on quilted textiles.

In addition to establishing replacement value on your quilt, quilt appraisals can also be used to determine Fair Market Value. In other words, if you wanted to sell your quilt in the open market, what would it be worth? My appraisal was strictly based on replacement value. I used two AQS certified appraisers out of Columbus, Ohio. They took many pictures while I was there, made many notes and ask questions about specific old fabrics and trims, etc. They consulted a fabric historian, especially for the piece that my grandmother had made. Stitches and beads were counted to determine how long it would take to make another similar quilt and of course the backing, binding, trims, labels, etc. were included in the final replacement value of the quilt. On my quilt, no appraisal was declared for artistic quality or the fair market value – at the time I had my quilt appraised, I wasn’t aware that I could have this done. I couldn’t begin to replace the quilt and its’ memories, but I am secure in knowing that if something happened to my quilt, there would be some compensation .

Why should you have your quilts appraised?

l. To establish a replacement value for insurance purposes.
2. To purchase a “Fine Arts Floater”
3. To determine a value for donation, gift, or estate purposes for the IRS
4. To provide a value to a venue that requires insurance and/or appraisals
5. To provide adequate coverage during shipping or while in transit.
6. To aid in determining a Fair Market Value.
7. A meaningful addition to a quilt given as a gift.

Three types of quilt appraisals:

a. Insurance Replacement Appraisal
b. Fair Market Appraisal
c. Tax Donation Appraisal

A written quilt appraisal should specify a circa date of when your quilt was made, the maker’s name if known, adequately describe your quilt through pattern, set, materials, construction technique, color and any other pertinent information, accurately assess the quality of workmanship and the overall condition of your textile, note the current economic conditions, describe the type of value being established, the actual value being established, the actual value, and the method and resources used to substantiate value. Any other factual information known that would affect value should also be noted. This might include special exhibits, awards, quilt maker’s established sales record, publications, and any other information relative to the quilt, quilt maker or quilt owner. The qualifications of the Quilt Appraiser should also be provided.

I plan to update my appraisal information now that my quilt has won ribbons in two different shows. A basic appraisal costs approximately $35.00 so it is affordable to have your quilts appraised, especially the ones that are near and dear to you. Check online for additional information on appraisals--- there is a lot of information out there.

http://www.bobbieaug.com/html/appraisal.html
http://www.lequilts.com/html/quilt_appraisal.html
http://deedadik.home.att.net/
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NQA Show; Columbus

I remember my first trip to the National Quilting Association show in Columbus and being totally overwhelmed, and to be honest, a little awe struck. “National” is the operative word, with quilts on display from all over the United States, and many foreign countries as well. The talent is beyond belief, both in those who are exhibiting quilts, as well as the folks who put on the event. Just read the resumes of the teachers and judges, and you know that quilting is serious business.

And it is not only the show itself, but the sheer numbers of people sharing similar interests is something to see. Coupled with the exhibit are vendors selling everything your quilting heart could desire, from fabric to patterns to glitz to quilting machines…if they don’t got it, you don’t need it. There are certified appraisers available if you want to see what your quilt is worth. This is a serious issue, especially when trying to insure it.

Finally, the NQA becomes a quilting university, with classes offered all day long all week long, both at the Convention Center and other venues in Columbus. Teachers are brought in from all over the country, and you can hone your skills from technical stitches to artistry. The teachers are true quilt experts, who will wow you with not only their skill, but many interesting stories. Classes are also a good place to meet quilters from all over the country, and see what is going on in other areas of the United States, plus get to know some really nice and interesting people.

This is the second year I have exhibited at the NQA show. It is technically not a juried show, but it is limited to 400 entries with stringent rules that will thin out the crowd. It is a well oiled machine, with some of the ladies having worked there for years. From check in to check out, you follow the protocol. Last year, I brought my display quilt down and had them ship it back… it was back at my house by the Tuesday after the event.

This year, because of the nature of the quilt that I entered, I drove it down and went back to Columbus the following weekend to pick it up, $4.00 gas notwithstanding!! There is too much of me in my quilt to leave the return trip to Fed Ex!!

There are a number of different categories in which to enter you quilt for individuals as well as quilts made by groups. Some of the categories are Bed Quilts, pieced; Bed quilts, appliquéd; Wall Quilts, pieced; Pictorial Quilts, pieced; and so forth.

My quilt, Remembering Home, was entered in a catch-all category called “Other”, which accepted quilts that didn’t fit neatly into any of the categories. Many of you have seen the quilt which is a history of my family going back to the 1790's. One of the judges called it a “history” quilt, teaching me another “term of art” for a certain type of quilting. I was thrilled to find out I finished 3rd in my category, and in addition received one of 6 special ribbons offered by the NQA. Mine was for embellishment. Pictures of all of the winning quilts will be posted shortly on the NQA website, and will remain there for the year.

This was very special to me, especially since the quilt represented my family and nine years of work putting the quilt together. Although one can always hope, my chances of repeating such an honor again in my lifetime are probably slim to none, making this NQA Quilt show one I will remember the rest of my life. If you haven’t made the effort to attend the NQA show in Columbus, make the effort next year. And if you can, take some of the classes. It is an exceptional experience, and really fun time.

By the way, Martini’s is an Italian restaurant across from the Convention Center on High Street. It is a tad pricey, but the food is great. Also visit the Farmers Market in back of the Hampton Inn, also across the street. Good Eatin’!
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