Patricia Belyea is teaching Modern Medallion Mojo at Woodland Ridge this August. +learn more
By Patricia Belyea
When Chris Daly joined Wisconsin Quilters, her life’s journey changed forever. Through quarterly workshops with national teachers, a vibrant community of creative peers, and encouragement to explore art and modern quilting, Chris flourished.
When attendance at the guild meetings plummeted from 600 to fewer than 100, the organization disbanded in 2010. Where others saw loss, Chris saw opportunity.
She understood the importance of meaningful learning and a supportive creative community. Determined to keep that spirit alive, Chris envisioned a retreat space centered on gathering and learning together.
WOODLAND RIDGE RETREAT, ONCE A LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Finding the right property was its own adventure. Eventually, Chris and her husband purchased a boutique hotel in Downsville WI — a place they had stayed years earlier. The previous owners believed in Chris’s vision, and the couple began with a land contract that later transitioned to a traditional loan. Woodland Ridge Retreat was born!
WELCOME TO WOODLAND RIDGE!
The early days were anything but easy. Chris cooked and cleaned while running the new facility. Her husband remained at their farm, a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Year by year, Woodland Ridge gained a reputation as a top-notch retreat center.
Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and reservations vanished overnight.
Undeterred, Chris pivoted. As Chris puts it, she “put on her big girl panties” and re-opened her Etsy shop in March 2020, selling batik fabrics. With strong support from her community, Woodland Ridge stayed in business.
As the pandemic eased, careful protocols — social distancing, vaccine requirements, and testing — allowed the retreat center to reopen. Slowly but surely, committed quilters returned, bringing Woodland Ridge back to life.
Today, Chris’s dedication to the quilter’s experience is evident everywhere. Her classrooms feature expansive design walls, adjustable tables and chairs, and generous personal workspaces.
A CLASSROOM BEFORE THE CREATIVITY BEGINS
NON-STOP FUN IN PROGRESS
Her attention to comfort shines in the accommodations as well: spacious rooms, high-quality mattresses and linens, and remarkable bathrooms. And then there’s the food — fresh, flavorful, and largely organic.
GORGEOUS BATHROOMS WITH HANDMADE TILES FROM DUNN COUNTY POTTERY
Chris’s business has continued to evolve. She now operates a full-fledged fabric store, Dye Candy, within the retreat center —open 24 hours a day to students and accessible online as well.DYE CANDY, THE FABRIC SHOP AT WOODLAND RIDGE
Woodland Ridge hosts 15 five-day workshops each year with national teachers, along with 30 retreats for guilds and friends groups, many lasting five to six days. The center hums with creativity.
DAVID OWEN HASTINGS REGULARLY TEACHES AT WOODLAND RIDGE
All of this exists because of Chris Daly’s vision, resilience, and determination. A lover of quilting, community, learning, and warm hugs, Chris is truly a hero to us all.
To visit Woodland Ridge Retreat website +click here
To shop at Dye Candy Fabrics +click here
To learn about Patricia Belyea’s workshop at Woodland Ridge this August +click here
ABOUT US: Okan Arts, a petite family business, is co-owned by mother-daughter duo Patricia Belyea and Victoria Stone. Patricia and Victoria sell Japanese textiles online, host creative quilting experiences, and lead quilting & textile tours to Japan.
FOLLOW OKAN ARTS ON INSTAGRAM @okanarts
