Quilting is no longer about scraps of material sewn together for extra warmth on cold winter nights.

In fact, the practice has taken on quite a crafty flair.

For Susan Young, it's “an artistic outlet.”

“There are lots of thread paintings and bead work, and all of the stitchery is really artistic,” the Sudbury and District Quilting and Stitchery Guild member said. The end result? “You buy the fabric, cut it apart, and then you sew it all back together again. It makes something amazing.”

The joy of choosing colours, patterns and fabrics that compliment each other, and strategically placing them together, is a rewarding experience.

On Oct. 12 and 13, the guild is putting on Quilts on the Rocks. The event, which takes place every three years, allows the 140-some members of the guild to showcase what they've been working on.

Highlights of the show include a display of quilts and stitched pieces, a silent auction, merchants mall, boutique and a certified quilt appraiser.

Anyone interested in bringing in family heirlooms, treasured pieces or potential gems are asked to schedule a time to bring in their piece by emailing daintry@designsbydaintry.com.

Along with work by the experts, the event will also provide an opportunity for aspiring quilters to give the art a try. The Cuddle Quilt Program is the guild's outreach program. Members will make pieces with the intention of donating them to places like the Genevera House, the Vale Hospice, Iris Foundation, Children's Aid and St. Joseph's Villa.

“People can come in and actually sew a block,” onto a piece that will eventually be given to someone in need, Nancy Burdeniuk, publicity co-ordinator for the guild, said. At the guild's last show in 2009, two full quilts were made at the Cuddle Quilt booth.

Everyone is invited to take in the stitching work of the guild by visiting Quilts on the Rocks. Activities get underway at 11 a.m. and run to 7 p.m. on Oct. 12, then 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the ParkSide Centre at the YMCA on Durham Street. Admission is $5.

“It's not just a bunch of quilts hanging around,” Young said.

Along with hosting the event every three years, the guild also meets weekly to share projects, ideas and inspiration.

“There is always opportunities to learn,” Burdeniuk said. “You can be as involved as you want.” Currently, members range from university age to senior citizens, and everywhere in between. New members are also invited to attend the session, which take place Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the ParkSide Centre. Anyone interested in learning more about the guild or Quilts on the Rocks can visit www.sdqsg.com.