Palmerton Library will be holding its 10th annual Quilt Show this Sunday, promoting an age-old tradition steeped in the area’s history.

Sponsored by the Sew What Quilt Guild, the show will feature dozens of handmade and machine-made quilts from around the area, including some antique pieces dating back to the late 19th century. The guild has been operating in Palmerton for about three years, and currently has about 20 members.“The show is to showcase the library, and to raise money for library, but also to showcase the quilters in the area, because they’re like this hidden group that nobody knows about,” guild president Terri Sheckler said.Highlighting a rich pastime, the show promises to expose attendees to a wide variety of contemporary and classic quilts. A wealth of specialty patterns and fabrics make each quilt a unique and personal piece, ideal for a gift or a family heirloom.“I guess I’d like to pass something down to my grandchildren. My focal point right now is to make quilts that I can pass down. I have one of my own, but the rest I’ve given away,” guild member Karen Sosik said.Sheckler mentioned that the practice of quilting was one of the few means of artistic expression for women of the past.“Women didn’t have any other ways to be creative. Cooking and housecleaning weren’t very creative,” Sheckler said with a laugh. “Quilting was their means of expressing themselves,” she said.The show will run from noon to 4 p.m., and will feature the display of quilts — with some available for purchase — as well as a basket auction, door prizes, vendor tables with handcrafted items, and more. Certified Quilt in a Day instructor Cheryl Hank will also attend.“We have handcrafted items that the guild members have made, and then that money goes to our guild. Pretty much everything else goes to the library for the fundraiser,” guild secretary Brenda Wentz said.The Quilted Crow, normally closed on Sundays, will be open during the event, so if you get a hankering to join the guild and begin quilting, you can start right away.Meetings for the guild are held at 7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at the library. Attendees are asked to enter the library through the side door on Fourth Street.“We have beginners that don’t stay beginners for very long,” Sheckler said.