Loaning Quilts

My Franklin Stars Quilt

I like to think I am generous when it comes to loaning and sharing my quilts.  Although, some might say I am not when it comes to sharing photos.  It is all personal choice.

This quilt, Franklin Stars is currently on loan at my cities community center.

They have a rotating quilt every month to share with the community.  I chose this one because I think it appeals to men and women.

It also reminds me of my friend Jeananne - who owns the original.  She is very generous sharing her quilts.

The more you look at this quilt, the more you might find...unusual today by modern standards.
* Bordered on only two sides
* Even scrappier as it gets towards the bottom rows
* Inset setting diamonds, rather than pieced triangles
* Wide back to front binding
* Home dyed osnaburg backing
The more you look, the more you see...
It was a fun project to do with Jeananne and we both came away with quilts we love!
She purchased the vintage quilt in Franklin, Tennessee years ago.

I also loaned this quilt for the Minnesota Quilt Project "Ruby Anniversary" exhibit at the Minnesota Quilt Show this month.

They are very organized and professional with their paperwork regarding loans and insurance.  Must be the 40 years of experience!

See the circle? I pinned a ribbon on so viewers could see the date in the quilting.

I have been able to read the year, 1888.

However I have not been able to make out the letters above the year.  I used photoshop and other tools to no avail.

I am guessing it is her name or the month.










This is the alternate block without the lettering.

Beautiful hand quilting.

All hand sewn - piecing and quilting.

The name comes from Brackman's Encyclopedia of pieced blocks.

The block has other names in later eras.  No Wonder.

Imagine the conversation..."I made the wandering lover quilt for..."

Always a fun quilt to share.








On the subject of sharing, I recently declined to share my quilts and sewing tools at a specific facility. It was a great opportunity to review my insurance and network with others who share their collections.

In the paperwork I received I noted the following clause:
Hold Harmless Statement: I agree to enter the above item and abide by the quilt exhibit rules and decisions of the jury. I understand the XYZ Museum will take every precaution to protect the entry exhibited and that no responsibility for loss of damage to my entry can be assumed by the XYZ Museum or any other entity.

This was highly unusual - I've seen a lot of agreements for shows and exhibits.  I contacted my insurance companies.  Both my home owners and a specialty company for collections.  Both saw HUGE red flags.  Both said by agreeing to a hold harmless I would not be covered, regardless of the policies or appraisals.  One said if I were desperate I could exhibit but wouldn't be insured.  The other offered a special policy but the museum would have to provide their loss report and I would have to pay a large premium.  Not worth the hassle or expense. I declined exhibit. 

I thought about it - and contacted my "network" of quilt appraisers, lawyers, collectors and exhibitors - maybe I need new insurance?  Is this a new trend?

NO

All responded (graciously with long responses) that this is highly unusual and they wouldn't loan under a hold harmless either.

The other thing I learned from my insurance discussions is in the event of damage to one of my quilts, I still want the quilt.  That isn't always possible.  It pays to ask lots of detailed questions!

Bottom line:
* Review the paperwork you sign and do not trust the borrower to look out for your interests

* Talk to your insurance company with the DETAILS.

* An appraisal doesn't mean you are covered

UPDATE:  This facility give different paperwork for different exhibits.  Read the fine print even for a repeat loan at one location.


Let's keep loaning our quilts, and expect them to be treated and like the works of art they are!


Have a great week,
Dawn