Professional Association of Appraisers-Quilted Textiles will be on hand to give qualified appraisals for any attendee. Appraisers are certified by the American Quilters Society. For a nominal fee, they will give verbal or written notification of a quilt’s value. [caption id="attachment_3646" align="aligncenter" width="501"] Photo courtesy of Gregory Case Photography[/caption] Violet Vaughnes, AQS (American Quilters Society) Certified Quilt Appraiser and member of PAAQT (Professional Association of Appraisers-Quilted Textiles), is leading the appraisal team at Road 2016. She enjoys “not knowing what the next quilt I see will be and the satisfaction of helping the customer when they say they learned a lot about their quilt.” Violet explains there are four benefits to having a quilt appraised: 1) Insurance replacement for shipping loss and protection while hanging in a show; 2) Donation value for a museum or a charity; 3) Fair market value- getting an idea of what a quilt MIGHT sell for in today’ marketplace; & 4) To accompany a quilt being gifted. What can guests expect when they bring their quilt to Road 2016 to be appraised? Violet recommended that guests stay with their quilt and not leave their quilt at the booth. Though someone is at the booth at all times, the appraisers are busy and can’t be responsible for a missing quilt. Besides, they prefer that a customer is present to discuss the particulars of the quilt. Violet suggested that when the appraisal is completed, guests can leave their quilt with Road’s Sack Sitters while they enjoy the show or take a class. [caption id="attachment_3648" align="aligncenter" width="526"] Photo courtesy of Gregory Case Photography[/caption] There are two types of appraisals that are given at the show: verbal and written. Verbal appraisals cost $25.00 per quilt and are not considered an official appraisal, as there is nothing in writing. It is actually a consultation for  information that the customer requests to be given such as: What era did the quilt come from? Can you date the fabrics? What kind of quilt is it? How do I care for the quilt? Is it ordinary or rare? How do I go about selling the quilt? A written appraisal is a document noting many factors about the quilt such as has the quilt-maker won awards, has the quilt been published and where was it published, the quilting styles used, etc. In writing the appraisal, the appraiser follows USPAP (Uniformed Standards of Appraisal Practice) standards. A photo of the quilt on the day it was examined is also included in the report. A written appraisal is researched; it usually takes 20 minutes to examine, measure, photograph, and gather information about the quilt and values are not given immediately. Reports are sent to the customer in 2-3 weeks following the show’s closure. The cost for a written appraisal is $50 per quilt. [caption id="attachment_3649" align="aligncenter" width="537"] Photo courtesy of Gregory Case Photography[/caption] How are written reports used for future insurance needs? Customers can send the written appraisal to their insurance company to be added as a rider to their homeowner’s policy It is preferable to have quilts appraised when they are in good condition “After the fact” appraisal, such as stolen, damaged, after a fire, etc. may not get full value reimbursement. Violet is always on the lookout for interesting quilts. When asked for an interesting quilt experience, she told the story of when a few years ago, while driving, she saw an old and worn quilt hanging on the porch of a house. Naturally curious, she pulled over to the side of the road to observe the quilt through her rear view mirror instead of getting out of her car and approaching the house. Why didn’t she get out of the car? Said Violet, “There were several men in motorcycle clothes on the porch. I’m curious, but not stupid.” Appointments for quilt appraisals during Road 2016 are recommended. While drop-ins are welcomed, they are done on a time available basis. To schedule your appointment for a quilt appraisal during Road 2016, email Violet directly at getfruit@aol.com.       .    ]]>