While the Wadena Depot is usually closed for the season this time of year, the 2012 Fall Quilt Show brought some people, colors and patterns into the building last weekend.
The Wadena Homespun Quilt Club had a total of 72 full-size quilts hung inside, outside and around the bandstand, not including wall hangings and other small projects also displayed during the Oct. 6 show.
"It's kind of an addiction," club member Diane Grenier said. "But it's a wonderful addiction."
A variety of patterns and themes were reflected in the names of the quilts, some of which included "Peppermint Delight", "Water Works", "Meadow at Midnight", "Fire Escape", "Take 5", "Tornado Quilt", "Flowers For the Cabin", "Ben Franklin Mystery", "Psychedelic, Baby" and "A Grandchild's Delight".
The club also makes quilts as service projects, including Trees for Wadena, the public library and people who have been through fires, tornadoes and other disasters.
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A few quilts were designated for sale, but most were for display only. Quilt Club member Linda Macklanburg said some quilts are owned by family and friends of the people who made them, and were being borrowed for the day. Four years ago, a quilt was shipped from California and back for the show.
Macklanburg said the quilt club likes to see work from many years ago, as well as the newer techniques on more recent quilts.
LeAnn Evans and Sheryl Kellen started the quilt club in the mid-1990s, when they were asked if Wadena could have its own club like other towns.
"We've been going for a while," Evans said.
The club has about nine members now.
With the restoration of the Depot, the quilt club has held a fall show there every two years, and last weekend's show was the third in that location.
Evans said Burlington Northern Park, with its green space and downtown location, is a good place to hold the show.
A few years prior, the first quilt show was held at Whispering Pines Log Homes in rural Verndale, coinciding with the Tour of Homes there.
