Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Stitch-n-Pines located?

Our piece of heaven in the pines was created for those who enjoy quilting, creating, knitting, crocheting, and other crafty hobbies.  It is nestled in the pines of Alto, NM, less than a quarter mile off of HWY 48/Mechem.  The address is:  229 Fort Stanton Road, Alto, NM 88312.

We offer a unique, peaceful mountain retreat opportunity catering to those who want to create or get together with a group of friends to relax, refresh and renew, surrounded by pine trees, the Alto wild horses, elk and other wildlife, as well as a view of the Capitan mountains!

Stitch-n-Pines Retreat Center is located in Lincoln County just miles from Fort Stanton, Smokey Bear’s birthplace, Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts, Grindstone Stables, Ruidoso’s Winter Park, Flying J Ranch, Ski Apache, Noisy Water Winery, three local casino’s, Billy the Kid Scenic Byway, and so much more!

Do retreaters have to be quilter’s?

Absolutely not!  Scrapbookers, knitters, etc. are welcome, as well as family and friends' reunions, churches or other groups from other entities.

Is there a minimum/maximum number of retreaters?

Stitch-n-Pines Retreat House may host 9 retreaters and the Retreat Center may host 6 for a maximum total accommodation of 15.

What is a description of the accommodations?

The house has three nice size guest bedrooms with three beds in each.  There are night stands, projection alarm clocks, plugs with USB's to charge your electronics, lamps, luggage stands and a desk in each room.  All of the rooms have Twin XL frames with Plush Serta mattresses, 1800 Thread Count Sheets, warm micro-suede/fleece blankets and quilts, except the master bedroom upstairs has a queen bed in place of one of the Twin XL’s.  There’s even a shorter mattress on one of the beds just in case it’s hard for someone to have a tall mattress.

There are 2 ½ bathrooms:  Master has a walk-in shower and a Jacuzzi tub with two vanities and a nice size closet with extra storage and a linen closet.  The downstairs full bath is a shower/tub combo and vanity.  This room also leads into a laundry area and breakfast/snack bar with a freezer/fridge and microwave.  Oh, and you can’t forget we have the ear plug dispenser for those who have snorer’s in their room.

There is a large living room with a gas fireplace, couch, love seat, and rocking recliner.  The dining room has an antique table that can accommodate all nine retreaters.  There is a covered deck upstairs and one downstairs to view the wildlife, sew or just chill.  Sturdy tables and chairs are provided with upgraded electrical on the posts.

The Creative Center located downstairs has many design walls (with ladders for taller projects), an Accuquilt station (multiple dies/mats), cutting/ironing station (irons/cutting tools/rulers) and plenty of bright LED lighting.  There are also some side/cutting/ironing tables available for use.

The covered car port is available for loading/unloading upstairs and covered deck downstairs with a 70” rolling cart to assist with loading/unloading downstairs.  There is a ramp for easier access to both levels.

The full kitchen upstairs boasts just about every type of appliance, kitchen gadget and utensil you can imagine, with paper products or the real deal.  You won’t need to bring crockpots, roasters, pots/pans, hair dryers, or anything else as it has been covered for you.  A propane BBQ/Smoker is available for your use.

Fire extinguishers, first aid kits, emergency flashlights and other safety features are located both upstairs and downstairs.  Each level of the retreat house is accessible via outside, so no one is REQUIRED to use the stairs.  We also have a generator for power outages, and soooooo much more!!!

The Retreat Center has two bedrooms with three beds and a bathroom for each.  There's also a communal bathroom with an ADA stall and two smaller stalls for those sewing or visiting in there.  The Center also has a full Accuquilt cutting station with several dies, cutting and ironing stations, design walls, side table, rulers, irons, cutting tools, storage, water machine and so much more, including a kitchen with microwave, Keurig, refrigerator, countertop oven and more.

What are check-in and check-out times?

Check in is at 3 p.m. and check out is at 11 a.m.  There is a possibility of some wiggle room for adjustments, depending on groups coming/going and cleaning crew time.

Are Children Allowed?

Guests must be at least 18 years of age.  There is too much liability with hot irons, sharp tools, wildlife, and the fast road we are on, etc.

Are Pets Allowed?

Unfortunately, no, we do not allow pets at the retreat center unless used to render service or aide.

Do you provide meals?

Stitch-n-Pines has a fully functional and equipped kitchen your group will have access to.  This kitchen contains everything you will need to create meals such as appliances, Keurig’s, pots/pans, bakeware, utensils, bowls, crockpot, griddle, waffle iron, roaster, blender, paper products, dishes, silverware, etc.  We have also provided some flour, sugar, condiments and spices just in case.  If you prefer to order in or go out for your meals, there are plenty of options available and we will have those names/numbers ready for you in the welcome notebook.  Some are within minutes of the retreat house.  Grocery stores are within 10 minutes of the retreat house as well.  We also have a BBQ/Smoker and prep station available for your use!

What do we need to bring?

Your project, machine, clothes, toiletries (even though we do provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, cotton swabs/pads/balls, hair dryers, and rinse cups in the bathroom) and food (unless you’re planning on eating out/ordering in).  If you plan to use the hot tub/spa, please bring your bathing suit!

Are you handicap accessible?

Yes, now that we have the new building built and the Retreat House is as ADA as we can get it for an existing structure; the Master Bathroom has a walk-in tub, there are ramps to get into the house on the upper and lower levels; and both levels may be accessed via a ground level.  Some of the doorways to the rooms might be a tight fit but it’s doable.  We will do everything we can to accommodate our guests needing extra assistance.  There are ramps on each level of the house, so no stairs are needed.  A courtesy carriage is also available to take you to the other level or the quilt shop!

What is the charge for retreaters (day and night)?

Day Retreaters who don’t spend the night are each charged $35.00 USD/day – must have prior approval.

Overnight Retreaters are each charged $75.00 USD/night (minimum of two nights).  Rates are subject to change.

Is there a deposit required?

Yes, there is a non-refundable deposit of $25/person due upon reserving your dates that will apply toward the rental upon arrival.

Are there any black-out periods for renting?

Stitch-n-Pines is a year-round facility and you may book your dates anytime (weekend or during the week too), as long as another group or event has not been reserved.  Final verification is required by Jackie in order to confirm dates!

What type of Payment is Acceptable?

Check or Money Orders are accepted (no credit cards) and must be received 90 days prior to check-in date.  Stitch-n-Pines requires there to be one person as the contact for the group.  This person will be the one who writes the check to Stitch-n-Pines Retreat Center and does all of the coordinating, scheduling available dates, special needs, etc.  We cannot accept individual payments from each member of your retreat party.

How do we go about reserving our dates?

To make a reservation, the designated contact person will check for available dates on the Retreat Calendar (noting that there may be a delay in posting reservations/cancellations) and then contact Jackie to verify final availability and answer any other questions.  This person will be the point-of-contact for the other retreaters and Stitch-n-Pines Retreat Center.

A deposit check with the signed rental agreement will be required in order to secure your desired dates.  As soon as dates are agreed upon and as your retreat date gets closer, you will be emailed a rental agreement to be printed, signed and returned within 14 calendar days.  The deposit must be paid and the contract signed, dated and returned within those 14 days to lock in your dates or those dates will be forfeited to another group.

Upon arrival, ALL of the retreaters (day and night) will need to check-in and sign a liability waiver and agreement to follow the rules at Stitch-n-Pines.  No unpaid visitors or “day retreaters” beyond the nine under contract allowed. 

Do Retreaters get a discount at A Quilting Stitchuation, LLC quilt shop?

But of course!!  If you’re here for a retreat at our facility you qualify for a 20% retreat in our quilt shop whether it’s still in Midtown or on the Retreat Center property.  Plus some other surprises!

Parking Availability and R.V. Hook-ups?

We have plenty of paved parking in a safe and secure location.  Unfortunately, at this time, we don’t have any R.V. hookup spots (something we are contemplating for the future).

Other local activities and discounts?

Upon arrival we will have a Welcome Notebook with local activities, events and discounts.

Availability of a massage therapist?

We are working on this for scheduled appointments.