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! This is also a perfect place to get together with family, friends or groups from other entities.
Is there a minimum/maximum number of retreaters?
Stitch-n-Pines Retreat House may host nine retreaters with a minimum of four until the new building is built. Then we may accommodate 20.
What is a description of the accommodations?
There are three nice size guest bedrooms with three beds in each. There are night stands, 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.
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.
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, 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!!!
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. 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 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?
Until the new building is built, we only have the Retreat House; however, 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. Thank you for understanding that our goal is to build the new, handicap accessible building as soon as possible. There are ramps on each level so no stairs are needed. A courtesy carriage is also available!
What is the charge for retreaters (day and night)?
Day Retreaters who don’t spend the night are each charged $25.00 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.
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, you will be emailed a rental agreement to be printed, signed and returned with the check 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.