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Tips for quilt collectors-getting started, what to watch for, and how to show and share your prized collection.

-Buy quilts in the best condition you can afford. That means no gaping holes, no stains, and no worn spots. You should have a reaction when you first see the quilt. If you don’t love it, don’t buy it.

-Nineteenth-century quilts are in high demand because there’s a finite supply of them. The most unusual designs in pristine condition are the most valuable. Don’t use investment potential as a way to gauge a purchase, however.

-To learn more about heirloom quilts, view as many as you can. Visit antique shows and talk to quilt dealers and historians. They have a wealth of knowledge to share. There are hundreds of books about quilts; read as much as you can. Learn to identify fabrics and quilt patterns, because these will give you the best clues for determining the age of a quilt.

-You have to have a broad base of information about quilts so you have a sense of what patterns show up again and again. Those quilts are worth less than the ones you rarely see.

-Everyone has a favorite quilt. Early 1800s Amish quilts from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, are attractive because the quilters used only four patterns and made quilts from solid fabrics, usually very fine wool. Others love the charm of quilts made in the 30s and 40s with their sweet motifs of innocent childhood. Folk art lovers prefer those that hark back to a more primitive lifestyle. And who can resist a quilt that reminds us of the wagon rides across the prairies?

-Because of their beauty and historical charm, quilts should be used. Hang them on the wall or drape over a chair. Stack them on beds or fold them into a cabinet. If you have pets or children, you might need to take more care in how they’re displayed. Always be sure to refold or turn the quilts to avoid damage.

-Vintage quilts were made to last and are a fun choice for a child’s room. Heirloom-quality quilts, however, shouldn’t be used by small children. If you’re worried about damage, think about displaying the quilt in another way.

-Try to be as nice to your quilts as possible so they don’t need to be cleaned too often. Wash 20th-century quilts yourself but send those from the 19th-century to a textile conservator for washing. Make sure the quilt is strong--both fabric and stitching--before you wash it. Absolutely do not dry-clean a cotton quilt.

-Auctions are fun and lively events to attend! Preview the quilts first so you know the condition of the quilts you want to bid on. Set a spending limit before the auction begins—it’s very easy to get caught up in the moment when the auctioneer is shouting out bids. Remember to ask about selling fees and sales tax; they will add to your total expenses. Selling quilts on Internet auctions is a booming business. If you see something you like, ask to have it sent on approval. It’s impossible to see the quality of the quilt and the colors on a computer screen. Ask for references and only buy from reputable sellers.

-There’s a misconception that antique quilts are expensive. Many can cost under $200. That’s a lot less than many reproduction quilts. Common patterns, such as 1930s-era floral kit quilts are more affordable. You can find most quilt types in any price range. Condition and artistry of the design raise the price.

SOURCE  _   http://www.allpeoplequilt.com