Post Messenger Recorder -

Many people do not realize that their quilts have a value. It doesn’t matter if your quilts are family heirlooms, purchased in an antique store or ones you have recently made. The value is determined through various criteria, but first and foremost, is the condition of the quilt. If the quilt is an antique, but still in excellent condition, it would have a high value to replace it, should anything happen to it. Insurance companies will look at the certified appraisal to see the replacement value. If the quilt is shredding, flaking, thinning, terribly stained or falling apart, it will have very little monetary value. Often there is a great deal of sentimental value, but not so much monetary value.

The most common reason for a quilt appraisal is for insurance coverage. It is often difficult to recover from a loss or damage to a quilt unless it is insured, and there is an independent verification of its value. Without an appraisal, an insurance company views the quilt as a “blanket” and will reimburse the cost of replacing a “blanket” (around $25.00). Rarely is value doubted when an insurance agent is presented a written appraisal by a certified quilt appraiser. While the value is most often based on an “Insurance Replacement Value,” there is also a “Fair Market” appraisal available if you want to sell the quilt. Newly made quilts are generally appraised based on time and materials, which in this day and age can be quite costly. Retail supply costs, along with labor costs to replace the work, add up quickly. The appraiser will look into how much you would have to pay someone to reproduce your quilt if something were to happen to it.

Understand that your creative endeavor is worth something in time and materials alone. Then, if it has won awards, been published or the maker has fame, the value goes up as well.

Appraisers look at how rare or how common the design may be, the quality of workmanship, whether there is any fame to the maker, or if the quilt has an important historical significance.

If you think your quilts are worth more than blankets, you may want to make sure your insurance company sees it that way, too!

Sandy Schweitzer, an AQS Certified Appraiser, will be available by appointment only on Saturday, February 18th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Patches and Petals quilt shop in Belleville. The fee for each appraisal is $45.00. Sandy will give you tips on how to protect your heirloom. To make an appointment please contact lynn@patchesandpetals.com.