Quilt Camp in the Pines

Written by Audrey Waite
© 2006 Audrey Waite

Quilt retreats are high on the list of things quilters like to do. A very popular one is held the third week of July in Flagstaff, AZ. Almost four hundred converge on Northern Arizona University to learn new techniques, and have a reunion with quilters they met in Flagstaff at last year's retreat. Some have attended every year and schedule their family vacation around this week. Having tourist spots such as the Grand Canyon, Meteor Crater, several National Parks and Sedona in the area makes northern Arizona a great area for sightseeing and family vacations.

Workshops cover such things as hand quilting, hand applique, machine quilting, designing with computers and even quilting with a longarm. Instructors are well-known in the quilting field as they have authored books on the subject and some even design fabric. A satellite quilt store is set up on campus and two other quilt stores are located in Flagstaff, so no quilter has to worry about getting the supplies needed. After a long day in class, they can even get a massage to relax before having a meal in the student cafeteria, all the while enjoying the spectacular scenery - Arizona's highest peak and the world's largest ponderosa pine forest.

Campers are housed in a college dormitory with two-bedroom suites sharing a bath. Meals are available in the student cafeteria. Or campers can make their own reservations at hotels close by. Evenings offer more opportunities to hear presentations by the visiting instructors, show-and-tell sessions, an autograph party and a graduation banquet.

Quilt Camp in the Pines is the brainchild of Audrey Waite and Dee Lynn. The first year (1995) they had contracted with eight teachers and wondered if anyone would come. Now they have 375-400 attend and they come from all over the world. A vast array of workshops are available during the six-day event. Flexibility in scheduling is appreciated by the campers as they don't have to attend all week. They can choose to come for one day, two days, or more.

A similar retreat is held in Phoenix the last week of January each year called Quilting in the Desert. Headquarters is a hotel instead of a college campus. Six days of workshops are offered along with luncheon speakers and a shop hop. Phoenix in January is a welcome break for those from colder climes. Husbands can go golfing or just relax at the hotel's pool.

For complete information on the current retreat, visit their website www.quiltcamp.com or send $2 for a printed schedule to: QCIP, 854 Brewer Road, Sedona, AZ 86336-6231.