Skip to content
2019 Quilting With The Stars
Join Stitchin' Heaven and Friends on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise! Cruise and learn from two quilting experts: Marilyn Foreman, Lauire Shifrin, & Anita Grossman Solomon!
January 20 - 27, 2019
Ft. Lauderdale - St. Maarten - San Juan - Labadee
Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas Cruise Ship
Overview
Instructors
Marilyn Foreman
Itinerary
The Ship
Pricing
Travel Information
Contact Us
Register
Overview
Overview
Dear Friends,
The biggest and newest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet is the Harmony of the Seas. We sailed on this ship last April and we were blown away with the up-to-date amenities, the food, and most of all the service of the onboard staff. Prepare to cruise the Caribbean, learn from world-class teachers, and leave with more education and inspiration than when you boarded. This one will fill up quickly so sign up right away!
- Deb Luttrell
Owner, Stitchin' Heaven
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 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
- A Welcome Aboard Gathering
- A Stitchin’ Heaven Travel souvenir tote bag
- Souvenir T-Shirt
- All workshops, classes, and demonstrations of products
- Optional pre-cut Sail ‘n Sew fabric kits
- Every quilting guest can take all the classes offered
- Classes are taken on days "at sea" so no port time is missed
- Classroom is open 24/7 for plenty of free time sewing!
- Bernina 330 sewing machines
- Premier thread for onboard projects
- $20 door prize for each quilter - choose what you want from the onboard store
- Demonstrations of the latest quilting and sewing products
- Classroom support from Stitchin' Heaven Staff
- Oliso Pro Smart Irons™
- Post cruise guest contact list
- Group Photo
- Smiles, a few surprises, laughs, and a boatload of fun!
Plus ... You'll be sewing on a Bernina 3 Series sewing machine!
That's right! Each quilter will be provided a state-of-the-art 330 Bernina machine equipped with the extended table and a quarter inch foot. There's no need to bring your sewing machine all the way from home. Visit the Bernina website to see the amazing features of this great machine!
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
Marilyn Foreman
An avid quilter for over 20 years, Marilyn started her pattern company, Quilt Moments, in 2006, and lives in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband and three kids.
Marilyn has published over 50 patterns and a book titled “Kaleidoscope Symphony”. She also has a Craftsy online class, “Quilted Kaleidoscopes”, and has been published in several magazines. She enjoys teaching and sharing her love for designing quilts that look complicated yet include basic piecing techniques. With a background in analysis, she loves the challenge of making her pieced patterns as versatile as possible so her patterns always include a variety of sizes and fabric options. She uses lots of fabrics in her quilts and lets the fabric elements do the work to create stunning results. Whether it’s rotating simply block units made with batiks, including easy four-patch kaleidoscopes made from a large print in the block centers, creating unique ways to show off panels, or using the popular Twister tools (she’s co-owner at TwisterSistersDesigns.com, the new home of the Twister tools), all her techniques are addictive and fun! Learn more about Marilyn by visiting her websites and blog.
Laurie Shifrin
https://laurieshifrindesigns.wordpress.com
Laurie Shifrin, a long-time Seattle resident, is a renowned fiber artist, author, quilting teacher and lecturer in the Pacific Northwest as well as across the United States and Canada. In addition to her success as an author, Laurie's pattern company, Laurie Shifrin Designs, has released more than 30 gorgeous patterns combining batiks with other styles of quilting fabrics, featuring her wonderful quilt designs.
Laurie loves to travel to new places to share her enthusiasm and affinity for batiks, as well as her no-nonsense quilting tips. This will be her 3rd engagement as featured teacher on quilting cruises. Laurie's television appearances include Simply Quilts with Alex Anderson, and a feature on Art Zone, In Studio on The Seattle Channel.
Anita Grossman Solomon
Anita constructs artful bed quilts from classic blocks. What you can’t see by looking at them are the innovative methods she uses to easily cut and piece them. Anita lives in midtown Manhattan. Previously an art curator, she took up quiltmaking in 1990 becoming a full-time quilt teacher. What’s Anita’s favorite part of teaching? “Waiting for each student to have their “Eureka!” moment of understanding the trick behind the magic.”
You may have watched her on HGTV’s “Simply Quilts”, “The Quilt Show”, or “Quilt Out Loud". She’s written three books for C&T Publishing. Upon first seeing Anita’s work, her editor said “I know what you do, you make it simpler.” A week later Anita registered the domain www.MakeItSimpler.com Her quilts have been displayed everywhere from the ceiling of the International Quilt Festival in Houston to an enormous screen high above Times Square in New York City. Recently, Robert Kaufman Fabrics debuted her colorful KONA® fabric palette.
An international teacher, she is also an instructor on Craftsy.com where she blogs The Fiber of My Being.
Marilyn Foreman
Marilyn Foreman
Marilyn Foreman
Check Out The Stars
Dazzle your friends with this stunning quilt that features beautiful bright batiks. It may look complicated but it is surprisingly simple to make. The fun secondary stars that emerge in the design are created by simply rotating the large star blocks to group colors together. It is a great way to use charm packs, layer cakes, fat quarters, or scraps.
The finished size of this project will be 64” x 80”
NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown
Close
Laurie Shifrin
Calypso
Nothing could be better as the perfect momento of our trip through the exotic waters of the Caribbean than this breathtaking log cabin style quilt designed exclusively for this cruise by Jason Yenter. It showcases his gorgeous fabrics featuring sea life from oceans around the world. Laurie will guide you through this underwater odyssey using very simple construction techniques, so prepare for a stress-free day of sewing. She will also share her no-nonsense techniques for accurate seam allowance and perfect pressing as well as an easy way to get the perfect mitered corner every time. As a special treat, Laurie will give you insight into how fabrics are made, from the design process through the printing and shipping stages.
The finished size of this project will be 70" x 87"
Close
Anita Grossman Solomon
Jacob's Ladder
Jacob’s Ladder is a traditional block which we’ll sew in a simple way. It’s tailor made for cruising because of its streamlined process. We’ll begin with two pairs of pre-cut fabric squares and CuttingLines paper sewing guides. Immediately we’ll sew through a few printed lines, cut through other lines, and before you can say ahoy, the fabric squares will become a block. By the way, this is not foundation piecing. You’ll create 12” finished blocks without any measuring and marvel at the steps you've skipped! The combination of scrappy batik fabrics on the solid fabric background will surely be stunning.
The finished size of this project will be 48" x 72"
NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown
Close
Optional Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack
Projects shown are representative of the quilt to be made. Unless otherwise noted, all fabrics will be different but are matched as closely to the quilt as possible.
Our incredible Sail 'n Sew fabric pack includes all of the fabrics and patterns for your projects and they are pre-cut so all you need to do is sit down and sew! The price of the Sail ‘n Sew fabric pack is $370.00 and it includes all three of the projects for this cruise. If you would like to buy individual kits, please call for pricing. If you would like a Sail ‘n Sew pack, just let us know when you make your Reservation and we'll have a kit waiting for you on the ship. Order early as supplies are limited.
If you choose to bring your own fabric, please bring it precut and ready as we do not allow time for cutting during class. You will find the cutting instructions in each pattern that can be ordered here: Check Out The Stars, Calypso, Jacob's Ladder (Free Pattern Provided With Class).
A complete supply list will be sent to you 90 days prior to departure.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale lies along the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the New River, 25 miles north of Miami. Its warm tropical weather attracts many people throughout the year. For sun-worshippers, the city has six miles of beaches. There are also many recreational waterways with extensive boating facilities, access to every conceivable watersport, a variety of fascinating museums and trendy restaurants, and an array of entertainment venues.
Day 2
Cruising
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 3
Cruising
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 4
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
One island, two cultures: welcome to St. Maarten. Experience Dutch and French culture and enjoy gorgeous coastline, lush tropical landscapes, a great selection of restaurants and plenty of duty-free shopping. Bargain seekers flock to the duty-free and sales-tax-free stores of Philipsburg's mile-long commercial district. Visitors also enjoy the city's art galleries, historic forts, casinos and zoo, as well as Great Bay Beach and its boardwalk. Offshore, on the 12 Metre Challenge, guests can work as part of the crew on one of five boats used in the 1987 America's Cup competition.
Day 5
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Behind stone walls, Old San Juan charms with 500 years of history, colorful colonial buildings and streets lined with shops, galleries, and cafes. Experience Puerto Rico's enchanting natural side in the nearby rainforest. When you're in San Juan, don't miss the opportunity to witness the pinnacle of natural beauty by exploring Puerto Rico's El Yunque Rain Forest. It features more than 240 species of trees, hundreds of miniature orchids, and what was once believed to be the Fountain of Youth.
Day 6
Labadee, Haiti
Only Royal Caribbean can take you to the private beach destination of Labadee. Our private paradise sits on the north coast of Haiti, surrounded by beautiful mountain slopes and exotic foliage. This exclusive destination offers pristine beaches, breathtaking scenery, incredible thrills and spectacular water activities. Regardless of where you go, you'll find yourself embraced by the beautiful landscape. Labadee's native charm, along with its natural beauty, make this a destination not to be missed. It's impossible to choose just one thing that's special about Labadee. The inviting beach, coral reefs and exciting amenities provide a perfect place to relax and have fun.
Day 7
Cruising
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center! Class will end at 3:00PM as we will need to pack up to head home.
Day 8
Ft. Lauderdale, Flordia
Return to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
The Ship
The Ship
Harmony of the Seas
Experience Harmony of the Seas®— the third of its kind to join the groundbreaking Oasis class of ships. Harmony of the Seas® will feature the cruise line's seven distinct neighborhoods for which Oasis class is known, and will offer the most amazing collection of experiences, amenities and activities at sea. Guests can test their mettle on the ship's three multi-story waterslides all of which twist and turn over Central Park, then let imaginations soar in the Youth Zone—the largest kids' area at sea. Harmony will also feature a new Bionic Bar on the Royal Promenade, first introduced aboard Quantum of the Seas® and featuring robot bartenders. Interior accommodations also will be outfitted with Royal Caribbean's exclusive Virtual Balconies which offer beautiful views in every stateroom. Additionally, guests onboard will enjoy RFID technology with Royal WOWBands that provide them access to their staterooms as well as make onboard purchases and reservations. Like her sisters, Harmony will also feature the fastest internet connection at sea.
Here is a video about Harmony Of The Seas and all the amazing things it has to offer.
Learn more about this amazing ship here!
Close
Pricing
Pricing
Stateroom's are as follows:
| Room Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Interior Stateroom | $1,499.00* |
| Oceanview Stateroom | $1,699.00* |
| Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom | $1,899.00* |
*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount.
Port charges, taxes & fees of $323.07 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.
Ask about our easy payment plan.
This fee includes your cruise fare PLUS all fees to the teachers, a Bernina sewing machine for the entire cruise, all associated class activities, and classroom support. Fabric kits are not included. You may purchase our precut Sail n Sew kit (supplies are limited) or you are welcome to bring your own precut fabric.
Group travel allows us to provide special touches that are not available on an individual reservation. And unfortunately, discounts from Royal Caribbean are not allowed through our group program. In order to take full benefit from everything Stitchin Heaven offers on our cruises, you must register through Stitchin Heaven Travel. If you have questions or need assistance in changing your individual reservation to a group reservation through Stitchin' Heaven Travel, please let us know.
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 in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.
Dress
During the day, dress is casual. Evenings are either casual, smart casual or formal. On casual nights, suggested attire is sports shirts and slacks for men and sundresses or pants for women. On smart casual evenings, men should don jackets and tie, with women wearing dresses or pantsuits. On the one or two formal nights per cruise, men can choose from tuxedos or suits and ties, while woman usually wear cocktail dresses.
Gratuities
Gratuities are a part of your cruise expense and total $13.50 per day. This fee covers everyone who serves you while you are onboard including all onboard staff, dining staff, and your cabin steward. Because of our group status, Stitchin' Heaven Travel pays these gratuities for our entire group prior to sailing. Therefore, you will be charged for them at the time of final payment. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included, but is available for your protection from Royal Caribbean in the form of their Travel Protection Program. It is $109 per person and both cabinmates 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 will be added to your reservation total