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2023 Symphony of Quilting
Quilting and cruising are better than ever so join Stitchin' Heaven on this 7-night Caribbean Cruise! Cruise and learn from two quilting experts: Helen Robinson and Chris Hoover.
January 7 – 14, 2023
Miami, FL - Phillpsburg, St. Maarten - Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas - Perfect Day CocoCay, Bahamas
Royal Caribbean Symphony Of The Seas
Overview
Overview
Dear Quilting Mates,
We are so happy to be cruising again! These past few years have been difficult for everyone but now it is safe to return to the high seas and to do what we love most – being with friends and sewing!
This cruise is on one of the newest Oasis class ships, Symphony of the Seas. We have a beautiful conference center on the 3rd floor with over 4000 square feet so that we can spread out and have plenty of space. Chris Hoover (Whirligig Designs) and Helen Robinson (Sew Kind of Wonderful) have cruised with us before and have proven to be knowledgeable and patient in their teaching styles. During this cruise we will also have a day for free sewing where we will give you the opportunity to make one of our exclusive Grab ‘n Go projects.
During this trip you will not only learn how to use a couple of new rulers used in making and designing these projects, but we will also enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean. Our ports will include St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and the amazing private island CocoCay. I sincerely hope you can join us on the educational and enjoyable cruise.
- 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 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
- SHAG Bag (Stitchin' Heaven Amazing Gifts) valued at over $100 including an exclusive cruise shirt
- Your own dedicated sewing space for the duration of the cruise
- Optional pre-cut Sail ‘n Sew fabric kits
- Every quilting guest can take all the classes offered
- The classroom is open 24/7 for plenty of free time sewing!
- Premier thread provided for onboard projects
- Demonstrations of the latest quilting and sewing products
- Classroom support from Stitchin' Heaven Staff
- Full-size irons and ironing stations will be available in each classroom
- Post cruise guest contact list and group photo will be provided
- A BONUS Grab' n Go project for our Fun Times Day at Sea
- Prizes, surprises, and a boatload of fun!
Plus ... You'll be sewing on a BERNINA 475QE sewing machine!
That's right! Each quilter will be provided a state-of-the-art 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
Helen Robinson & Jenny Pedigo
Helen Robinson
Helen admits to a little craziness when it comes to things she loves! Some of her loves include 51 recipe books, 64 pairs of shoes (and counting), 5 kids, 2 adorable grandchildren, 7 sewing machines, bolts and bolts of fabric and 100s of fat quarters, and 1 very supportive hubby!
Helen has been sewing since 1973 when she made a pair of pale green polyester pants in 4-H club! Helen began quilting in 1997 and fell in love with the entire process of design, fabric shopping, piecing and quilting! Nine years ago Helen bought a long-arm Gammill classic and fell in love with quilting all over again because she could put the finishing flourish on her piles and piles of quilt tops that were waiting for that last layer of love. Six years ago she began working with her sister Jenny and Sew Kind of Wonderful creating fresh new contemporary quilts using the Quick Curve Ruler. The curved piecing and contemporary designs in their work has made quilting fun, quick and easy.
Jenny Pedigo
Jenny made her first quilt in 2002 and fell in love with the quilting process! Jenny is married with 6 children and lives in Everett, WA and some of her favorite things to do besides quilting is, spending time with her family, anything to do with home decor and working out at the gym. In 2007 she started her own longarm quilting business in order to work from home. Jenny has a unique ability to see the secondary design that can be created with quilting which gives the perfect compliment to the piecing. After 7 years of quilting for others full time Jenny was looking for a change and discovered the Modern Online Quilting Community. She fell in love and soon after started playing with pattern design which is now her new quilting love. Jenny loves the challenge of putting a twist on quilting, whether it be through design, color or quilting and loves that she can share her quilting passion with her sisters.
The Quick Curve Ruler was the brain-child of Jenny when she wanted to find an easier way to consistently cut curves that would be easy to sew. The first Quick Curve Ruler and pattern Urban Escape were sold in 2011. Since then thousands of Quick Curve Rulers and QCR patterns have been sold worldwide to quilters who have fallen in love with curved piecing using the easy techniques of the Quick Curve Ruler and QCR Mini Ruler.
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Chris Hoover
Chris began quilting in 1989 when she made her first sampler quilt. Sewing a block a week quickly turned into sewing a block a day and sampler quilts and scrappy quilts became her all-consuming passion. “Quilting soothes my soul and has kept me sane many times over the years!” Her eclectic style is inspired by everything from color and texture to architecture and nature and she loves to share her passion speaking and teaching classes for quilt shops and guilds since 1999. Her designs have been seen in Quiltmania, Best Fat Quarter Quilts, Best Weekend Quilts and Quilts from Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks.
“My designs may look complicated but they are easily broken down into simple elements. I encourage quilters to see beyond the color and fabric in a quilt and to imagine the possibilities of the design – how to make it suit their individual style.” Chris designs under the name Whirligig Designs and you can see more at www.whirligigdesigns.com.
Projects
Projects
Vintage
We are very excited to offer the first new pattern by Sew Kind of Wonderful using the new Quick Straight Ruler™. This 6" x 13" piecing ruler has an angled straight slot for easily cutting fabric. The Quick Straight Ruler™ also has square dot grids within the inch markings to make it easy to use as an everyday ruler for general cutting and squaring-up fabric.
Vintage is the perfect choice for this quilting cruise because, guess what? You probably will finish the top by the end of the cruise! We will make every effort to include fabrics as shown from the new collection by SKOW called "Boho Cloth" from Free Spirit. If fabrics are not available at the time of our sailing, we will substitute as close to the original fabric as possible.
Finished Size: 51” x 77”
7 yards of backing fabric from the Boho Cloth collection will be needed.
NOTE: If you purchase our Sail ‘n Sew Kit, you do not need to purchase the Quick Straight Ruler as we will pre-cut your fabric into the correct shape. You will need to purchase it if you are bringing your own fabric along with the Vintage pattern.
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Solar Flares
Chris has made us proud with this Stitchin’ Heaven exclusive design done especially for this cruise. This is one of those “looks hard but is easy” projects. Simple piecing makes for a fun and easy explosion of color and energy! This interesting design comes together in a snap using the Creative Grids Spider Web Ruler.
Finished Size: 68” square.
5 yards of coordinated backing fabric will be needed.
NOTE: If you purchase our Sail ‘n Sew kit the Creative Grids Spider Web Ruler is not needed because your kit will be pre-cut for you! If you choose to provide your own fabric you will need the Creative Grids Spider Web Ruler as well as the Solar Flares pattern.
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Optional Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack
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 $345.00 and it includes precut fabric for the quilt top for both projects including the borders, binding and pattern.
If you are interested in only one of the kits, you can specify which one on the registration form when you sign up for the cruise. If you would like a Sail ‘n Sew pack, simply select both kits when you fill out the registration form and we'll have it waiting for you on the ship.
If you do not wish to purchase a Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack, remember to pack your own fabrics. We will not have fabrics available for purchase aboard the ship. You will need to bring your fabric pre-cut and ready for class. You must also bring your pattern or book. You can purchase the patterns here: Vintage and Solar Flares
Note: View the preliminary 2023 Symphony of Quilting Cruise Supply List. A finalized supply list will be sent to you 90 days prior to departure. We will not have a store onboard. Please bring all supplies you will need according to the supply list. We suggest you bring an extra project if you feel like you will finish the class projects and need extra sewing.
Click here to see our general quilting supplies recommendations.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Miami, FL
As far as vacation destinations go, Miami tops most sun-seekers’ lists. With its gorgeous beaches, vibrant neighborhoods and melting pot of cultures, the Magic City is the perfect place to spend a few days before your Caribbean island hop. Ahead of your cruise from Miami, jump-start your morning in true Miami style with a Cuban cafecito from a ventanita — a streetside shop window. Then climb the historic lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on quiet Key Biscayne before lounging on the island’s secluded sandy shores. If you’re looking for a bit more action, head to South Beach — home to world-class restaurants, nightlife, shopping and lively beaches, all set against snap-worthy Art Deco buildings. Art lovers who visit Miami can head to Wynwood and explore the neighborhood’s colorful street murals and local galleries. Or take a trip back in time at the Renaissance-style Vizcaya estate, which offers a glimpse into Miami’s dazzling past.
Day 2
Cruising
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 3
Cruising
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 4
Phillipsburg, St. Maarten
What makes St. Maarten so unique is its blend of cultures. The island is home to 120 different nationalities speaking over 80 languages, and is governed by two countries: the Netherlands and France. In fact, it’s the smallest land mass in the world to be shared by two different nations. While it may be less than 40 square miles, there’s plenty to do on this little island: you can travel back in time while exploring centuries-old ruins and get your adrenaline fix ziplining through lush tropical forests. If you’re after a little rest and relaxation during your cruise to St. Maarten, you’ll find plenty of secluded beaches where you can work on your suntan before treating your taste buds to some of the best cuisine in the Caribbean.
Day 5
Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Charlotte Amalie is one of the world’s most beautiful harbors; blue waters peppered with sailboats and green hills dotted with quaint little cottages make for post-card perfect brags. Just outside the lively port town, you’ll find ribbons of powdery sand beaches dotted with hammocks. Cruise to St. Thomas and explore colonial landmarks like Blackbeard’s Castle or raise a pint of the local lager at quaint microbreweries. And when it’s time to fuel up, you’ll find plenty of beachside bars serving conch fritters, johnnycakes, and coconut patties. St. Thomas may technically be part of the U.S., but with its colorful markets, unspoiled beaches, and the ever-present sound of steel drums, you’ll feel a world away.
Day 6
Cruising
Fun Times Day at Sea - a day of free time sewing where you can make your complimentary Grab 'n Go sewing project and finish up the projects for the week.
Day 7
Perfect Day CocoCay, Bahamas
This isn’t vacation days spent. This is bragging rights earned. Cruise to CocoCay to 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 Floating Cabana. Discover the magic of Perfect Day at CocoCay — only onboard Royal Caribbean® Cruises.
Day 8
Miami, FL
Return to Miami, Florida.
The Ship
The Ship
Symphony Of The Seas
Get ready for a perception remixing, memory maxing mic drop — the new Symphony of the Seas® is all that and more. It’s your favorite onboard hits, including the ten-story test of courage, Ultimate Abyss℠ and twin FlowRider® surf simulators, plus revolutionary new firsts, like glow-in-the-dark laser tag. And deck-defying attractions aren’t the only things to look forward to when you sail onboard the newest cruise ship addition to the Oasis Class.
Symphony of the Seas® is also loaded with delicious new ways to tempt your taste buds — like the gameday game changing Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade — and larger-than-life ways to stay, like the Ultimate Family Suite. Go get your thrill on.
Conference Room Setup:
On this ship we will be sewing two to a table like the image below.
Note: View the preliminary 2023 Symphony of Quilting Cruise Supply List. A finalized supply list will be sent to you 90 days prior to departure. We will not have a store onboard. Please bring all supplies you will need according to the supply list. We suggest you bring an extra project if you feel like you will finish the class projects and need extra sewing.
Click here to see our general quilting supplies recommendations.
Pricing
Pricing
Stateroom's are as follows:
| Room Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Interior Stateroom | $1,599.00* |
| Oceanview Stateroom | $1,699.00* |
| Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom | $1,999.00* |
*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount.
*Port charges, taxes & fees of $361.66 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.
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. 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.
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 $101.50 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 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 are due in full when you choose to add it to your reservation
COVID-19 Vaccination Required
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. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we navigate through these uncertain waters.