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2024 Longarm Seminar at Sea
Join Stitchin' Heaven and Friends on a 7-night Caribbean Cruise! Cruise and learn from longarm quilting experts: Harriet Carpanini, Karen King, Tiffany Hayes, and Scott Hayes.
October 20 - 27, 2024
Orlando, FL - Perfect Day Cococay - Cozumel, Mexico - Roatan, Honduras - Costa Maya, Mexico
Royal Caribbean Wonder Of The Seas
Overview
Overview
Hey there, Quilting Rockstars!
I hope you're doing fabulous and ready for some quilting magic mixed with a dose of adventure! We have an exhilarating invitation that combines your love for quilting with the thrill of exploration. You are cordially invited to join us on a unique quilting adventure aboard the "Wonder of the Seas" by Royal Caribbean.
Here's the scoop:
Our journey aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas will take us to delightful destinations, including Orlando, FL (our embarkation and debarkation point), Perfect Day Cococay, Cozumel, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, and Costa Maya, Mexico.
Picture this: quilting on the high seas as we sail through the Caribbean's breathtaking landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or new to the craft, this cruise is designed for all skill levels.
Highlights of the Cruise:
Quilting Workshops: Our talented instructors will showcase Longarm Quilting Machines and offer hands-on lessons, perfect for those curious about longarm machines or looking to improve their skills.
Quilting Community: Connect with fellow quilters who share your passion, exchange ideas, and create lasting friendships as we quilt and explore together.
Destinations: Discover the beauty of the Caribbean at our ports of call, each with its unique charm and opportunities for exploration.
Relaxation and Entertainment: When you're not quilting, enjoy the ship's amenities, gourmet dining, and captivating entertainment.
Ready to embark on this quilting adventure? Secure your spot today!
Don't miss this chance to combine your love for quilting with a memorable Caribbean journey. We can't wait to share this fantastic experience with you.
Wishing you the best,
Deb Luttrell
If you have never been on a quilting cruise, you have missed a real treat! Since 2010 Stitchin' Heaven Travel has offered quilt-related cruises and motor coach tours to literally hundreds of satisfied guests. See reviews from our happy travelers here.
How can all this get any better? Here's how!
- Pre-cruise communication from Stitchin‘ Heaven Travel
- Education from 4 industry leaders on the use of your longarm machine
- Don't own a machine? No problem. This is the perfect time to explore new possibilities!
- Demo all machines at once so you are comfortable with the different features of each
- Plenty of time for networking and making new friends
- Classroom support from Stitchin' Heaven Staff
- Surprises, and a boatload of fun!
Consider bringing a friend, your spouse or your family – non-quilters are always welcome to join us and will have many activities to pursue while you are in class.
We look forward to our next adventure together with you!
Instructors
Instructors
Karen King
Karen King, a passionate craftswoman from a young age, drew inspiration from the generations before her as she watched her mother and grandmother engage in the art of sewing. This early exposure kindled her desire to create garments for herself. Over the years, her skills expanded, encompassing hand embroidery, smocking, and heirloom sewing. Her journey then led her into the world of sewing and fitting wedding dresses, bridesmaids' gowns, and christening gowns. However, it was the discovery of quilting that truly ignited her creative spirit.
Karen's fascination with longarm quilting blossomed, prompting her to take a leap of faith in 2008 when she rented a longarm machine at a local quilt shop. In 2010, she took the plunge and acquired her own longarm machine, propelling herself into a professional career as a longarm quilter. For the past 13 to 14 years, she has presided over a highly successful business, a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for the craft. Each morning, she eagerly awakens, ready to embark on another day of quilting—a lifelong source of joy.
One of Karen's greatest pleasures is sharing her expertise in longarm quilting with others. Whether through in-person sessions or virtual meetings on Zoom or FaceTime, she finds immense gratification in the interactions with fellow enthusiasts and the excitement they experience as they discover the art of longarm quilting.
In her daily quilting endeavors, Karen relies on her trusted Handi Quilter Infinity® with Pro-Stitcher®, along with the versatile Simply Sixteen. Her custom quilting work on customer projects has garnered acclaim, earning her no less than three coveted 1st place ribbons, a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence.
Behind the scenes, Karen's husband, Bryan, plays an indispensable role as her bookkeeper, technical support, and unwavering champion. With his encouragement, Karen is empowered to reach new heights in her quilting journey. Together, they call Bothell, Washington, home, where they nurture their close-knit family of four children and eight beloved grandchildren.
For Karen, quilting isn't just a craft; it's her sanctuary—a place where her creativity soars, and her heart finds contentment.
Harriet Carpanini
Harriet Carpanini, a dedicated mother of three, embarked on a journey of exploration through various crafts while managing her responsibilities as a stay-at-home mom. However, it was the art of quilting that truly captivated her passion and dedication. In 2004, her desire to complete her own quilts led her to acquire her inaugural Handi Quilter machine, the HQ Sixteen®.
With this pivotal acquisition, Harriet Carpanini laid the foundation for her burgeoning home business, "The Last Stitch," which emerged a mere year later in 2005. As her quilting skills evolved over the years, Harriet's association with Handi Quilter deepened. In 2007, as Handi Quilter initiated its prestigious national educator program, Harriet proudly stood among the first educators selected. This marked the beginning of her remarkable journey across the nation and internationally, where she shared her unwavering passion for longarm quilting.
Throughout her illustrious career, Harriet has continued to refine her craft, upgrading her quilting machine to the advanced HQ Fusion® with Pro-Stitcher® technology. Her studio now boasts the impressive HQ Infinity®, alongside the Amara 24 and Pro Stitcher.
Amidst these achievements, Harriet Carpanini has not only maintained her thriving business but has also had the privilege of connecting with a global community of students and seasoned quilters through store events and shows. Handi Quilter opened doors she could have only dreamt of.
Harriet's exceptional expertise in clamshell quilting culminated in the creation of her book, "Inside the Shell," which showcases a plethora of creative fills for this timeless quilting technique. Her contributions to the quilting world extended to publications such as McCall's magazine, "Heritage Quilts Made Modern," and "Machine Quilting Unlimited" in the July/August 2017 issue.
In summary, Harriet Carpanini's remarkable journey from a devoted mother and aspiring crafter to a renowned quilting expert and author is a testament to her unwavering dedication and the countless opportunities that Handi Quilter has unlocked for her.
Scott & Tiffany Hayes
Tiffany is an ardent quilting enthusiast, finding immense joy in every facet of the craft—ranging from designing and piecing to hand appliqué and machine quilting. With years of experience both in quilting and teaching, Tiffany has established herself as a prominent figure in the quilting world. Her quilts have earned recognition in various esteemed publications, including Quilter's World Magazine, Keepsake Quilting, and Connecting Threads.
A dedicated educator at heart, Tiffany derives immense satisfaction from sharing her knowledge and expertise with others. She collaborates closely with diverse fabric companies to craft quilt patterns tailored to specific fabric collections. Her innovative creations extend beyond patterns, as Tiffany has conceived and developed essential quilting tools such as The Goddess Tool, The 60º Triangle Tool, and The 90º Triangle Tool, with more innovative tools currently in development. The Goddess Tool, in particular, holds a central role in her Block of the Month patterns.
Tiffany, alongside her husband Scott, proudly owns a Handi Quilter Long Arm machine. Their partnership is a harmonious blend of her design and piecing prowess, complemented by Scott's skill in creating digitized machine quilting designs that perfectly align with Tiffany's original quilt patterns. Together, they form an inspiring quilting duo, dedicated to elevating the art of quilting.
In her unbridled passion for quilting, Tiffany unabashedly declares herself a "Quilt Addict." Her creative endeavors and publications flourish under the moniker "Needle in a Hayes Stack," a name synonymous with innovation and excellence in the quilting world.
For more insights into Tiffany's quilting journey and to explore her exquisite creations, visit her online domain: www.NeedleinaHayesStack.biz, where her artistic vision comes to life, one stitch at a time.
Projects
Projects
Karen's Classes
Intro to Designer (8:30am-10:00am Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
An amazing, easy-to-learn software that is capable of doing much more than you could have imagined! Take your quilting up a notch by designing your own digital or stencil quilting patterns. Introduction to Designer will show the ability of this program to quickly and easily create, edit, and customize any digital design. Your imagination will soar during this class. Karen will show you many of the easy-to-use features so that you can see how comfortable it is to create your own designs.
DEMO: In Designer, Karen will create a basic design using the Draw tools. You will learn how to save to a USB and transfer to Pro-Stitcher and stitch out. Stitch out will occur during class on a prepared quilt top.
Auditioning Quilt Patterns in Designer ( 10:30am-12:00pm Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
You have a beautiful quilt top. You think a particular pattern will look good stitched on it, but you're not sure. Let Designer help you! Designer allows you to load a picture of your quilt top, bring in the design you think will look good, and show you down to the thread color what your quilt will look like finished!
DEMO: After auditioning different designs on a quilt top, Karen will show you how to stitch what you see in Designer onto the same prepared quilt top using Pro-Stitcher.
Applique and Backgrounds in Designer (1:00pm-2:30pm Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
Quilts with applique blocks stand out when the background around the applique is stitched with echo lines or extending rays. You will not believe how easy this is to plan and create these elements in Designer! Learn features like Echo, Rays, Reflect, Carousel, and Repeat to take your custom quilting to a new level with ease.
DEMO: On a prepared quilt top that includes applique blocks, each of these features will be created and stitched out during class.
Intermediate Pro-Stitcher Techniques & Unique Threads (3:00pm – 4:30pm Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
Intermediate Pro-Stitcher techniques using unique threads can be the highlight of your everyday quilting life! You will learn all about areas.
Can you quilt edge-to-edge designs within 1/8" edge of your quilt top without going off into the batting? Yes!
Can you quilt around a patch of pocket in a t-shirt quilt without jamming your foot or needle? Yes!
Can you quilt around an applique piece without stitching through it? Yes!
Learning all about areas in Pro-Stitcher will help you in many quilting projects.
Also...So many threads....so little time! Karen will also talk about how simple and easy it is to use specialty threads like Glitter, Metallic, Invisible, Silk and Variegated! She has many tips and tricks after 14+ years of professional quilting! You will see samples stitched out in these beautiful threads.
DEMO: Using a prepared quilt top with applique pieces, Karen will demonstrate on Pro-Stitcher how to safely and easily stitch around but not through applique. She will discuss other items as well, such as buttons, heavy pockets, and patches.
Also, after discussing specialty threads and how to use them on your longarm machine, samples will be available to view with specialty thread types displayed.
Advanced Courses:
Name your Quilt (2 night - $200)
(7:30pm-9:30pm Part 1 Wednesday & Part 2 Thursday night)
Name Your Quilt! You can create names and phrases in Pro-Stitcher Designer and stitch it onto a quilt. Send a special message to the recipient of a quilt in the form of stitching. It will surprise and amaze them! By creating text in Designer you can also stitch a quilt label onto the backing!
Creating names, phrases, and labels in Designer is one of the most popular uses of this incredible program.
* This class is Part 1 and Part 2 and both parts are mandatory. This advanced class requires you to be familiar with the basics of Designer. You will need your laptop, wired mouse (not wireless!) and Pro-Stitcher and Designer already loaded. You will receive a USB with pre-loaded designs that we will use during class.
Specialty Designs in Pro-Stitcher(1 night - $100)
(7:30pm-9:30pm Tuesday)
We are going to call this class, Combine to Make it Mine! We will talk about how to take a design already loaded into Pro-Stitcher and make it something new. Once you understand the process, you will see how easy it really is. Let your mind go crazy creating new and fun designs for all your quilts. The best part, you can do this anywhere using the Pro-Stitcher Simulator program. It’s a new world out there once you master the steps of combining designs.
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Harriet's Classes
Pro Stitcher - Basics Part 1 & 2 (8:30am-12:00pm Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday )
In this class we will explore the magic of Pro Stitcher. From a basic block to an edge to edge. It’s ok to touch that button, you can always undo. Leave this class with the knowledge to go home and load your next quilt!
Clam Up! (1:00pm-2:30pm Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
A clamshell is not just a half a circle. Learn how to fill the inside with continuous line designs.
Applique Frenzy (3:00pm-4:30pm Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
I miss my sewing machine, but my longarm can do so much! Let’s explore raw edge applique, stained glass, cut away and sew much more!
Advanced Courses:
Pro Stitcher Advanced Designer (1 night - $100)
(7:30pm-9:30pm Friday)
Must have knowledge of the basics. Diving into custom quilting by designing a table runner with placement of multiple designs. *Bring your laptop with Simulation already loaded and a mouse.
Advanced Techniques with the Pro Stitcher (1 night - $100)
(7:30pm – 9:30pm Tuesday & repeated on Thursday)
In this class we will learn borders and corners, combining patterns and more! Must have knowledge of the basics. *Bring your laptop with Simulation already loaded and a mouse.
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Tiffany & Scott's Classes
Basics Of Longarm Quilting (8:30am-10:00am Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
Does longarm quilting interest you, and you’d like to learn more about it? Or do you just want a review of longarm quilting basics? This class removes the mystery of longarm quilting by explaining machine and frame elements and features, how to load a quilt, and vital facts about thread, needles, and tension. Longarm machine and frame systems come in various sizes for every budget and are user-friendly because they are designed by a quilter, for quilters – just like you!
Beyond Basics Techniques (couching, orange peel, binding on the machine) (10:30am-12pm Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
Have you ever wanted to make a project stand out and be noticed? Couching will do the trick every time! In this class you'll learn how to use a variety of yarns to embellish your quilts and projects. Take a classic design – the orange peel – and spice it up. You’ll learn how to add creative designs to jazz up this basic quilting design. Also we will learn just how easy it is to bind on your longarm machine!
Edge To Edge Quilting With Tiffany (1:00pm – 2:30pm Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
Learn how easy it is to complete an edge-to-edge design for your quilt. With hundreds of designs included with the ProStitcher, you'll be stitching in no time. From simple patterns to advanced, this class has it all.
Intro to Custom Digitized Quilting with Scott (3:00pm -4:30pm Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
Let's get serious about designing your quilt. Custom quilting is a breeze with ProStitcher Premium. Scott will show you all the tools you need to make your quilts pop.
Advanced Courses:
Advanced Custom Digitized Quilting (1 night - $100)
(7:30pm-9:30pm Monday)
Start with a quick introduction to the Electric Quilt Companies EQ8 software. Save a few blocks and import those blocks into Pro Stitcher Designer. Once the blocks are loaded it is time to learn some cool tricks to designing the digitized artwork to enhance those blocks. Various designing techniques will be shown over multiple blocks. See how those designs will work together over your quilt top to create a cohesive quilting masterpiece.
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Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Orlando, FL
Most people know Orlando as America’s theme park capital. While a day (or several) dedicated to all your favorite rides and shows is a must for any vacation from Orlando, this shining city on Florida’s Space Coast offers so much more than that. If you’re cruising from Port Canaveral, get to know the area’s other wonders — like its locally loved surf spots, sprawling citrus groves, off-road motor trails and emerald golf courses. Start your day by watching the sunrise from the sands of the Canaveral National Seashore. Then grab breakfast at a cozy café in Historic Cocoa Village. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators as you zip through the St. John River marshlands on an exhilarating airboat ride. Or climb to the top of Exploration Tower for panoramic views of Port Canaveral, the cruise port near Orlando. And don’t forget to drop by the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Port Canaveral, where you can learn all about space travel and see both the Space Shuttle Atlantis and the Saturn V moon rocket.
Day 2
Perfect Day Cococay, Bahamas
This isn’t vacation days spent. This is bragging rights earned. Conquer the tallest waterslide in North America and snap a shot from up to 450 feet up in a helium balloon. Grab a drink at the swim-up bar and soak up the scene in the largest freshwater pool in The Bahamas. Or get a taste of Bora Bora with your own Overwater Cabana.
Day 3
Cruising
Longarm Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 4
Cozumel, Mexico
With its lively tropical reefs, crystal-clear waters and ancient ruins, Cozumel is ripe for one-of-a-kind adventures. Cruise to Cozumel and head to Chankanaab National Park, where you can snorkel among the colorful reefs and schools of tropical fish that give this island its premier diving status. Or travel back in time on an adventure through the towering Maya ruins of Tulum. When you’re done exploring, unwind with a beachside massage at Playa Mia. From culture savoring to soaking up sunshine, you’ll find a world of adventure waiting for you in Cozumel.
Day 5
Roatan, Honduras
Roatán’s diverse blend of cultures and traditions is enough to charm anyone. But its mangrove forests, dense jungles, and swaths of white-sand beach will make you want to stay forever. Divers and snorkelers from all over the globe flock to the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands every year see to the world’s second largest barrier reef firsthand. Roatán cruises provide access to laid-back beach towns and secluded shores. On the Big Island, you can mingle with monkeys and “Jesus” lizards, snorkel with stingrays, and zipline through rainforest canopies. If it’s culture you crave, the island’s unique and vibrant blend is more than satisfying— made up of ex-pat sun seekers, Hondurans from the mainland, descendants of European settlers, and Garífuna, whose Afro-Carib-Arawak heritage still flavors centuries-old communities like Punta Gorda.
Day 6
Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
Past meets present in Costa Maya. Cruise to Costa Maya and find ancient Maya ruins and mysterious jungles just begging to be explored, as well as private beach clubs and trendy restaurants— all in one place. It’s 250 square miles of paradise packed with entertainment and history, all just 30 miles south of Cancun. The Great Maya Reef just off the coast is the second largest in the world— it’s a must-snorkel spot. Or you can kick back at the port village of Mahahual with an ice-cold michelada— a spicy beer cocktail— in hand. For a culture fix, head to the Kohunlick ruins to see the famous Temple of the Masks.
Day 7
Cruising
Longarm Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 8
Orlando, FL
Return to Orlando, FL.
The Ship
The Ship
Wonder of the Seas
GET READY FOR YOUR QUILTING SEMINAR AT SEA ADVENTURE
Everything is a big deal on the boldest and biggest ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas®. This is a larger-than-life, island-hopping adventure with epic thrills for all ages. Kids can revel in next-level playtime. Adrenaline chasers meet their match at Ultimate Abyss℠. And everyone savors delicious dining options from homespun Southern classics with a twist to rustic Italian favorites. Get ready to launch from the Space Coast to our private island, Perfect Day at Coco Cay and discover the eastern and western shores of the Caribbean. Only on Royal Caribbean®.
Pricing
Pricing
Stateroom's are as follows:
| Room Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Interior Stateroom | $1899* |
| Balcony Stateroom | $2399* |
*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount.
*Port charges, taxes & fees of $381.26 are not included.
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.
There is a $350 per person deposit due at registration which will secure your price and availability.
Travel Information
Travel Information
Cabins
With so much to do onboard, chances are really good that you will just use your cabin for changing and sleeping, but it's nice to know that if you want to spend more time there, you will indeed be comfortable. All standard staterooms are attractively decorated in soft tones with fine light woods and two pieces of artwork on the walls. Each stateroom has two beds that convert to queen-size, a private bath, phone, interactive flat-screen TV, mini-bar, hair dryers and air conditioning/heat controls. Bathrooms are on the small side, but functional, and showers have those wonderful, half-round sliding doors as opposed to clingy curtains. Soap and shampoo are also provided.
Travel to and from Destination
You will be responsible for getting to and from the ship.
Dress
You can see what the cruise line suggests for dress code while on the ship here: https://www.royalcaribbean.com
Gratuities
Gratuities are a part of your cruise expense and will be collected by Stitchin' Heaven. This fee covers everyone who serves you while you are onboard including all onboard staff, dining staff, and your cabin steward. Stitchin' Heaven Travel will then pay these gratuities for our entire group prior to sailing. Therefore, you will be charged $112.00 for gratuities at the time of final payment. Please be aware that an additional gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs. We encourage you to add additional tip for superior service.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included, but is available for your protection from Royal Caribbean in the form of their Travel Protection Program. The cost varies by room type and cruise and both cabin-mates must purchase it separately. In the event insurance is used please be aware that it covers the cost of the cruise only. Sewing package fees are not refunded.
**Insurance fee are due in full when you choose to add it to your reservation
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
The cruise ship companies have worked diligently with the CDC and government officials in order to continue cruising from the US. Our commitment is to provide an enjoyable event with the utmost safety to our guests. Ship protocols will need to be observed at all times and are subject to change at Royal Caribbean’s discretion. These protocols are changing quickly so please check the Royal Caribbean website for the most current information.