Needlework is a tradition dating back to the quilting bees. Today, quilting is becoming more popular, and to some it is a real passion.

The 11th annual Quilt Show was held recently in the Palmerton Area Library.

There were 56 quilts of all sizes and designs displayed throughout the library.

Five vendors were also present selling sewing related items or quilting supplies.

The show was sponsored by the Sew What Quilt Guild of the library.

“This is my third year here at the Quilt Show and I just love to look at all the quilts on display. I am not a quilter myself but some of my family members are. I just come here to admire all the work.” said Linda Kern of Mahoning Valley.

Approximately 100 people attended the Sunday afternoon show. People could vote for their favorite quilt for the People’s Choice Award.

The winner of the People’s Choice was Vinita Horinko with her quilt, Mariners Compass. She received $100.

Mary Ann Templin, Susan Lech, Lynette Rothrock and Patrice Piasecki also won prizes such as gift certificates and videos of the Fons & Porter TV show and magazines subscriptions to their Love of Quilting Magazine.

“My wife, Kristin, is the quilter. We just came back from Indiana. We were at one of the biggest shows out there. We do what’s called shop hopping and this summer we were to 22 shops in Wisconsin. We have been doing this for six years and we love it.” said Hank Williams of Mahoning Valley.

Shop hopping is going to quilting stores and getting different quilt blocks to sew into a quilt.

“We had a good turnout, but I always hope we get more people to come out and see all the quilts. Next year, we may go back to our original weekend, as this year we had to change it because of our Halloween parade here in town.” said Terri Scheckler, coordinator.

The Sew What Quilt Guild meets the second Thursday of each month in the upstairs Gallery of the Library. Everyone who is a quilter, who wants to be a quilter or who just loves quilts is welcome to join the guild.

There’s no time like the present to get started on your quilt for the 2018 Annual Quilt Show at the Palmerton Area Library.