Have you ever wondered about the value of your fall fair entry, your heirloom quilt made by your grandma, your quilted treasures? Getting your quilt appraised by a professional will answer that question.
“A written appraisal which meets the required specifications of the Uniform Standard of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) is recognized by insurance companies, Revenue Canada, IRS and other legal entities as a valid expression of an item’s worth.”
Judy Lyons is an accredited quilt appraiser. We asked her a few questions about quilt appraisals.
What is an Appraisal?
An appraisal is your written document confirming the age, identification, construction, workmanship and up-to-date value of your quilt.
Why should I have an Appraisal?
Old quilts and new quilts should be appraised for replacement value. Your Insurance Company may not recognized our quilts for the art piece that they are. Your appraisal will help them identify the value of your quilt so it can be replaced with one of similar like and kind. No one can replace sentimental value, but a replacement can help make the loss easier to accept. The appraisal can also be used when you are donating a quilt and would like a charitable donation tax receipt.
How do you Appraise?
A physical examination of the quilt should be done before damage or loss occurs. A written document will give a detailed description of the quilt and workmanship, including provenance and replacement value. These values vary in different regions and do fluctuate with the market. It is recommended to review these every 3-5 years.
How do you find a professional quilt appraiser? First, you want someone with the appropriate accreditations. For instance, Judy Lyons’s credentials are in compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Judy is also certified with the American Quilters Society (AQS) and a member of the Professional Association of Appraisers-Quilted Textiles (PAAQT). You may also want to check if the person specializes in particular areas. As an example, Judy is a specialist in the appraising of traditional and non traditional quilts, fiber art and textiles. Judy is located in southern Ontario and can be reached at judy.lyons35@gmail.com. To find someone in your area, click here for the PAAQT website.
I have a friend who wants to display her grandmother’s unfinished grandmothers garden unfinished small quilt top on a background material. She would like to attach it for display. What would be the best way to do this. Tape, baste, pin? It is about 30 by 40 inches so she wants to display it as a wall hanging.
Hi Dorothy – I would fully stitch it to a background as the fabric will be older and the more stitching, the less stress while it is hanging. It could easily tear if it isn’t supported all the way around.
Have an antique crazy quilt that I would like to sell. How much do you charge for appraisals and do you have any contacts to sell this quilt. To the best of my knowledge it was made in the early 1900’s. Any help you can give me would be appreciated.
Thanks
Bonnie
Hi Bonnie – we don’t do appraisals at the shop. We would refer you to professional quilt appraiser Judy Lyons who can be reached at judy.lyons@sympatico.ca
She will be very interested in a quilt that old!
Thanks Deb. I have tried the email address and it is undeliverable. Would you happen to have other contact information
Hi Bonnie – I’ll check into it and get back to you.
Deb
Hi Bonnie – I just spoke with Judy and her new email address is judy.lyons35@gmail.com.
I have a crazy quilt from 1899 in museum quality condition made for a little girl named Rhea Vedder for her 4th bday I would really love to sell it to someone who would appreciate it and all it’s history
You would be best to contact a museum or an appraiser and then go from there.
Thanks so much!
hello:
I’m looking for a quilt appraisal for a new quilt I’ve made. Does Judy still do that? and I also have some antique quilts that I’ve been meaning to have appraised.
Please let me know what is the best way and how long of a turn around time there is.
Thank you,
annette
feel free to call me if that’s faster; i don’t mind
905 975-5765
Hi Annette – I’m not sure we ever responded to you about a quilt appraiser! Apologies if we didn’t. Yes, contact Judy Lyons at 905-639-2441 or judy.lyons@sympatico.ca