Jonnie Chandler
Many of us have fond childhood memories of weeks away at camp. Time spent trying new things, meeting new friends, and visiting new places. Did you know there’s a camp for quilters? Ritter Ranch, located in the San Pedro Valley in Hereford, Ariz., provides a three-to-five-day quilting retreat. Owners Bill and Sheila Ritter offer accommodations for up to nine guests. Amenities include three bedrooms, home-cooked meals, a large workroom with individual work stations, cutting tables, design walls, ironing boards and irons, and basic rulers. Also included are a beautiful view of the Huachuca Mountains and an on-site quilt shop. The private shop offers a wide inventory of fabric by the bolt, kits, and quilt-related gifts.
Nine PebbleCreek Quilters (PCQ) members recently shared this quilters’ paradise trading tips, inspiration, and encouragement. Mornings at Ritter Ranch begin with coffee on the patio, followed by a heavy continental breakfast. After breakfast, guests are on their own to walk on Ritter Ranch’s 3+ acres, shop in Sheila’s well-appointed shop, or go to the workroom and begin or continue sewing a quilting project. Later, everyone meets on the peaceful and shaded patio for happy hour to relax, unwind, and share stories before dinner.
Quilters speak a unique language. One may overhear unfamiliar words. Dot-to-dot, disappearing 4-patch, fat quarters, walking foot, long arm, and grunge are a few terms that will confuse a non-quilter, but require no explanation to seasoned quilters.
The camaraderie, interest in projects, sharing tips and tools, teaching classes and providing help are natural traits among quilters. It is not unusual at the retreat to hear someone say “I forgot my rotary cutter (or other quilter’s tool),” “My sewing machine is acting crazy,” or “Can I borrow __?” The immediate reaction is “Here, use mine” or “Maybe I can fix it.”
Ritter Ranch retreats are scheduled several times a year. PCQs have retreats in February, April (pending approval), July, and November. The retreats/quilting workshops have waiting lists for each date as the getaway and experience are fun and rewarding.
PCQ seasoned retreaters remind first timers, “What happens at Ritter, stays at Ritter.” Therefore, I give away no secrets. I only say the retreat at Ritter is a great experience for unlimited sewing, inspiration, new friendships, and enriching existing friendships.