This is a story about a quilting contest in Durand from a local paper called the "Leader Telegram".

Quilting contest creations displayed in Durand

By Pamela Powers
Menomonie News Bureau

Durand - With two pieces of fabric and a recycled item such as a half of a shirt, 19 quilters created their memories for the second annual West Central Wisconsin Quilt Challenge.

One quilt created by Ann Schuh, 48, of Caryville is of a farm scene with a barn, pasture and horses.

"I grew up on a farm, and I still live on the farm, and I like animals," Schuh said.

Schuh has been making quilts since about 1978.

"I love the feel of fabric and all the varieties of cloth you can use," she said. "You don't have to stick with cotton. You can add flannel. It's better than wood. If you cut it wrong, you can sew and fix it up."

All the quilts are hung in the Durand Public Library through Wednesday. The public, for a $1 donation, can vote for their favorite quilt. All funds raised will benefit the Pepin County Senior Council for the local senior center and Bolton Refuge House in Eau Claire.

The contest was started by Jackie Schaal of rural Durand. Schaal enjoys quilting and wanted to help raise money for local agencies.

Those interested in participating picked up a quilt kit that included some fabric and the recycled piece of fabric for $20. Most quilts are roughly crib size.

The quilts will be moved Saturday, Nov. 29, to the Masonic Community Center for viewing during Durand's Dazzle Day. A panel of judges and the popular vote will determine the winners.

"Quilting is part of our heritage," Schaal said. "The contest was open to anyone with ties to west-central Wisconsin."

Reina Nielsen, 15, of Kellogg, Minn., created her first quilt for the competition. Her recycled item was a green shirt. She ended up incorporating it into a snowflake pattern.

"I put about 20 to 30 hours into it," she said. "I have always been into sewing and thought I would try it."

Irene Cotts, 83, of Menomonie made a quilt with a loon in the middle. She started quilting when she was 10 using a trundle sewing machine.

Cotts, part of a quilting group at New Hope Church in Downsville, gives away many of her quilts to those in need and to nonprofit organizations, such as The Bridge domestic violence shelter in Menomonie.

"I quilt all winter," she said. "I like putting colors together and doing something for someone else."