There's a growing trend in the fabric arts world.
It's quilting.
It's no longer considered a necessity to hodge podge together what's on hand - scraps of material, torn or worn out shirts and pants - to make blankets to keep warm.
The process has evolved.
Quilts are an art form, said the president of the Prince George Quilters' Guild and there's 100 members that prove the growing trend of creative stitching art.
Membership is up from about 50 just a few short years ago.
For the first time since 2003 the local guild is hosting a quilt show called Crossroads 2016 at the Evangelical Free Church May 13 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and May 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"We're pretty excited about it and we're hoping to see up to 1,500 people attend," said Barb Friesen, president of the local guild that meets once a month.
The goal of the guild is to alternate shows with Quesnel Quilters Guild that holds its quilt show every other year. To support their neighbour, the P.G. guild bussed about 50 people to the event last year.
During the local show there will be a merchants' mall where out of town vendors from all over the province and Alberta will display what they have to offer those who explore the material arts world.
There's a tea room where snacks and lunch will be served, there's door prizes and, of course, the grand display of more than 160 quilts, which will take place in the sanctuary, along hallways and on balconies of the church to best showcase the works of art.
Another part of the display includes Quilts of Valour that have been made collaboratively for Canadian Forces members to recognize their service to the country.
The effort began with Lezley Zwaal in Edmonton in 2006 and some Quilts of Valour will be on display during the Crossroads show.
"She (Zwaal) will be here and brings the Mug Campaign with her," said Friesen.
The mug campaign sees a mug with a plastic baggie inside it containing fabric and a pattern to make a Canadian block, Friesen explained.
"So you buy these mugs for a donation - so $5 or more for the donation - and you sew the block and send it back to them and that's what they make the Quilts of Valour from," said Friesen, who used to sew quite a bit before she developed her quilting skills.
The local guild offers quilts to several community efforts including to the neonatal intensive care unit at the hospital, Healthiest Babies Possible at the Northern Family Health Society and victim services.
"We donate between 150 and 200 quilts every year and this is all done by donated volunteer time from our members," said Friesen.
Quilts that have not been donated yet will be on display in a special showcase during the quilt show.
"I want people in Prince George to come and see how many talented people we have in this town," said Friesen as an open invitation for people to attend the quilt show.
Crossroads 2016 Quilt Show is at the Evangelical Free Church, 4590 Fifth Ave., and the entry free is $5 per person.
