Welcome to Quilt Ninja
Quilts and Quilt Appraisal
Appraisal Questions
Appraisal Questions Answered
You may be here because you’ve inherited or discovered a quilt and want to know more about it.
Perhaps you’re considering selling or donating a quilt.
Or you need a documented value for insurance reasons or before shipping your quilt to a show.
Whatever brought you here, I hope this page answers your questions and helps you choose your next step.
What Is an AQS Certified Quilt Appraiser?
Becoming an AQS Certified Quilt Appraiser involves years of education and appraisal practice, along with specialized training and an examination. Candidates must be approved to take the certification exam based on their experience and knowledge.
This work requires specialized knowledge of quilt history, fabric dating, construction, condition, and value.
Where do I start?
Start by using the contact form.
Tell me a little about your quilt and your questions. You don’t need to know which service you want yet.
After you contact me, I’ll let you know where to send:
- A photograph of the entire front.
- A photograph of the entire back.
- A close-up showing the fabric and stitching.
- Photographs of any labels, signatures, dates, or areas of concern.
Include anything you know about the quilt’s history, ownership, or maker. This initial review helps us decide how to proceed. It is not an appraisal or a full quilt identification.
Each quilt is different, so photographs help me understand what you have before recommending a service.
I Have a Quilt, but I Don’t Know What It Is
A quilt consultation may be a good place to begin.
We can explore its estimated age, pattern, fabrics, construction, condition, and historical clues. Understanding what you have can help you decide whether to keep, preserve, sell, donate, or pursue a written appraisal.
I Want to Sell My Quilt. Can You Help?
Yes. A consultation can help you understand your quilt and consider where it may find interested buyers. We can discuss dealers, online selling, consignment, and resources suited to your particular quilt.
A consultation does not assign a dollar value or recommend a specific asking price.
If you need an appraised monetary value, you will need a written appraisal.
I Need a Value for Insurance or Shipping to a Show
A written quilt appraisal provides a documented value for your quilt.
Tell me the intended purpose so we can discuss the appropriate appraisal.
I’m Thinking About Donating My Quilt
A consultation can help you explore potential recipients and decide whom to contact.
Acceptance depends on each organization’s needs, so I cannot guarantee that a quilt will be accepted or displayed.
If you need an appraisal for a charitable tax deduction, please tell me before we begin so we can discuss the documentation and scope of work.
What Services Do You Offer?
Quilt Consultation: $75 per Hour
A consultation gives us time to explore your quilt and discuss practical next steps. We can meet by video or in person, as arranged.
Allow approximately 20–30 minutes per quilt, depending on its complexity and your questions.
We may discuss:
- Estimated age and historical period.
- Pattern identification.
- Fabrics, construction, and distinctive features.
- Condition and collectibility.
- Factors that may affect value, without assigning a dollar amount.
- Selling and consignment options.
- Preservation, donation, or keeping the quilt as a family heirloom.
Afterward, you’ll receive a personalized follow-up report summarizing the consult findings, research, and recommendations. Depending on your quilt, it may include historical background, dating clues, condition observations, comparable quilts offered for sale, and useful resources.
The consultation and report are informational. They are not a formal appraisal and do not assign a dollar value.
If your quilt appears to warrant a written appraisal, I’ll explain your options and next steps.
Written Quilt Appraisal: $150 per Quilt
A written appraisal is an official document that includes your quilt’s appraised value and my seal as an AQS Certified Quilt Appraiser.
AQS certification guidelines require me to provide dollar values through a written appraisal rather than verbally.
Your appraisal fee includes:
- An initial phone discussion, often including a review of photographs.
- An approximately one-hour meeting to examine your quilt in person.
- Research, which varies widely in time required.
- Preparing the official appraisal, which can take several hours or more, depending on the type of appraisal.
- Sending the completed appraisal to you.
- Answers to your follow-up questions.
Your quilt’s value can be confirmed only after the examination and research are complete.
How Do We Decide Whether an Appraisal Is Worthwhile?
I want you to choose a service that makes sense for your quilt and your needs.
If I believe your quilt’s value will be less than $500, I will recommend another option rather than prepare a written appraisal. If I think its value may be less than $1,000, we’ll discuss that before proceeding, so you can decide.
An initial impression is not a confirmed value. We’ll talk through your goals before you commit to an appraisal.
Large collections and appraisals requiring charitable-donation documentation may have different fees.
I will provide a quote based on the collection and the work required.
How Do I Pay?
Payment is due at your appraisal appointment or in advance of your consultation.
- Appraisals: Check, cash, Zelle, Venmo, Stripe.
- Consultations: Zelle, Venmo or Stripe.
Ready to Get Started?
Use the contact form to tell me about your quilt and your questions.
I’ll reply with instructions for sending photographs, and we’ll determine which service best fits your quilt and your needs. Talk to you soon!
