Three Quilts, One Unexpected Journey
I have three quilts that have been passed down through my family, each with a story of its own.
One is a lovely pink-and-white quilt from the early 1900s that was draped over my great-grandfather’s casket during his wake, which was held in the family home. Another is a neighborhood quilt ring stitched together from fabric scraps belonging to my grandmother, great-aunt, and other relatives. The women carefully saved leftover pieces from clothing and treasured fabrics, sewing them together into a quilt that symbolizes friendship, family, and love.
The third quilt came to me through my mother, who found it in a thrift store in Independence, Missouri. The shop also had a charming lunch counter where we often stopped for a salad-and-sandwich special. The quilt, likely made in the 1970s, features a beautiful butterfly pattern and quickly became one of my favorites.
The Butterfly Quilt that Started My Search
Curious to learn more about all three quilts—especially the butterfly quilt—I began searching for a quilt appraisal service. After some online research, I discovered Prairie Point Quilt and Fabric Shop in Lenexa, Kansas. Opened in 1995, the shop has grown into a full-service creative sewing center and moved to its current Lenexa location in 2019.
The store is filled with treasures for fiber artists and craft enthusiasts. Shelves and displays overflow with beautiful fabrics, contemporary and antique quilts, needlepoint kits, and every imaginable sewing and quilting supply. Prairie Point also offers an impressive variety of classes, including quilting, sewing, embroidery, Prairie Wool Club gatherings, Open Sew Days, and even dedicated quilt appraisal sessions.
I signed up for an appraisal with expert quilt appraiser Carol Elmore, who visits the shop once a month to evaluate both antique and contemporary quilted textiles. An AQS-certified appraiser since 1995, Carol schedules appointments in 30-minute time slots. During the session, each quilt is carefully spread across a large table while its owner shares its history. Carol meticulously examines every detail, takes extensive notes, and prepares a written appraisal that is mailed within a week. The current fee is $60 per quilt.
Where Every Quilt Tells a Story
Watching Carol evaluate my mother’s butterfly quilt was fascinating. She carefully measured every inch and explained its construction in detail. My quilt is a machine-appliquéd butterfly design made from double-knit fabric with cotton batting and hand stitching. It contains 72 blocks and is classified as a “Charm Quilt,” meaning no fabric is repeated anywhere in the quilt—a remarkable accomplishment.
Quilt appraisals serve many purposes. Some owners need documentation for insurance coverage, while others require an appraisal for charitable donations, estate settlements, or resale. Like me, many simply want to preserve the history of a cherished family heirloom. Whatever the reason, Prairie Point and Carol Elmore provide a specialized service at a very reasonable price.
Prairie Point Offers More than Fabric and Thread
As I wandered through the store after my appointment, I was captivated by the colorful bolts of fabric, embroidery kits, walls of vibrant thread, and even the scrapbooking and memory-book supplies. The shop is easy to find, parking is plentiful, and the staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help.
Whether you’re an experienced quilter or simply someone who appreciates the artistry and history of handmade textiles, Prairie Point Quilt and Fabric Shop is well worth a visit. You may arrive looking for fabric or an appraisal, but you’ll likely leave inspired to begin your next creative project.