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Alaska Quilting Adventure
Join Stitchin' Heaven and friends on a 7-night Alaska Sawyer Glacier Cruise! Cruise and learn from quilting experts: Betsy Chutchian, Sherry Girard, and Doug Leko.
August 4 - 11, 2017
Overview
Overview
Dear Friends,
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.
"It is always such a pleasure to travel with Stitching heaven travel. I have made new friends and look forward to spending time with them again on my next quilting cruise."
"The projects on the cruise were awesome! I was able to complete two of them while on board. The staff and teachers were great! This was our 3rd trip with Stitchin' Heaven and can't wait to go again! We had so much fun!"
"First time to travel with Stitchin Heaven and looking forward to many more trips. Had a great time traveling with my friend I met at college in 1966."
See more reviews from our happy travelers here.
How can all this get any better? Here's how!
- Stitchin‘ Heaven Travel communication updates
- A Welcome Aboard Party
- A Stitchin’ Heaven Travel souvenir tote bag
- T-Shirt for each quilter specific to our cruise
- A gift for each quilter
- 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 for each student
- Free spool of Aurifil thread
- One free charm per trip, charm holder sold separately
- Demonstrations of the latest quilting and sewing products
- Plenty of classroom support
- Oliso Pro Smart Irons™
- Emailed Contact List
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, a quarter inch foot, and an open toe 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
Betsy Chutchian
Betsy fell in love with fabric and quilts as a child learning to sew on both her grandmother's treadle machines. The beds at her grandmother's house in Frisco, Texas, were covered with Depression-era scrap quilts. Her mother would point to each piece fabric and say, "that was my dress, and this was Mother's apron, this was Daddy's shirt, and so forth. In 1969, Betsy received her first sewing machine from her aunt Sissy, a 1940s Singer. In 1980, Betsy received a B.A. in History from the University of Texas at Arlington. That same year she taught herself to quilt after receiving a quilt top made by a great aunt and great grandmother. This began a passionate journey that would combine the love of fabric, quiltmaking and history. From the time she started to quilt, she wanted her quilts to look like old, 19th Century-era quilts. Betsy has taught quiltmaking since 1990 for a number of quilt shops in Texas and is a former quilt shop owner. Since 2004, Betsy has traveled across Texas sharing her love of 19th Century reproduction quilts in lectures, trunk shows and workshops. She is a co-founder of the 19th Century Patchwork Divas, a close-knit group of quilters bound by their love of old quilts. Betsy is also the author of "Gone to Texas: Quilts from a Pioneer Woman's Journal".
Sherry Girard
As a military brat, Sherry traveled with her family to various parts of the world. When her father retired, they had lived in 23 homes in 26 years. As an adult, she taught for 30 years. The majority of these years was as a school librarian. Sherry moved to Alaska and has lived there for 44 years so she considers herself as a “sourdough”
Sherry has loved quilts all of her life but didn’t take up the art form of quilting until about 15 years ago. She loves sharing her passion for quilting with others. She has taught several classes and enjoys meeting all the quilters and teaching them. Learning something new with each quilt is great fun.
Doug Leko
Doug Leko founded Antler Quilt Design in 2008, when he was still a high school student. Working in his mother’s quilt shop had helped him develop his skills and refine his art, and soon Doug began to develop and market his own designs. Since then, his reputation has grown along with his business. He has a vibrant and growing collection of patterns available at quilt stores around the Unites States, Canada, and online. His work has been featured in McCall’s Quilting and Quiltmaker, and American Patchwork & Quilting.
Doug is a vibrant speaker and teacher, and has developed a wide following among quilters around the country. His energy and passion coupled with his unique level of experience and his innovative quilt designs make him a favorite addition to any special event.
Projects
Projects
Betsy Chutchian Wild Goose Chase
This beautiful pieced patchwork quilt is one of the oldest forms of needlework. It reached its finest expression during the pioneer days and was handed down from generation to generation. The fabrics in the quilt are from Betsy's new line by Moda "Hope's Journey"
Finished Size: 72" x 87"
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Sherry Girard Delectible Dogsled
This wonderful quilt has been a favorite of quilters who visit Alaska for many years. The design features focus fabric that is printed with dog sled teams racing across delectable mountains. The blocks are created with large triangles and pieced rectangles. These pieces are cut apart, twisted about and put back together in fun blocks. This quilt will be a perfect memmento of your visit to Alaska.
Finished Size: 66" x 78"
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Doug Leko Roundabout
Doug has done it again with an incredible design that is perfect for our visit to Alaska called "Roundabout". This throw-sized project will be perfect for remembering your vacation once you are back home when you cover with it while sitting by a roaring fire. We will use the Quilter's Magic Wand, Wing Clipper and Precision Trimmer 6 (all optional tools) that will make the construction of this project even faster and easier. Fabrics will be similar to those in the photo.
Finished Size: 63" x 87"
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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 $400.00 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.
Want to cut your fabric yourself? We do have an option where we will send you all the fabrics and the patterns for all three of the projects. The price for this is $350.00 and we will mail it to you at least 60 days before the cruise. You can then cut your fabric and bring it and your patterns with you.
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.
A complete supply list will be sent to you 90 days prior to departure.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Seattle, Washington
We begin our eight-night Alaskan Cruise out of Seattle, Washington. Seattle is often characterized by its laid-back attitude and rainy climate, but this thriving metropolis also offers one-of-a-kind architecture, the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, and a unique urban sophistication. A trip to Seattle isn't complete without visiting Pike Place Market. Here, you can browse the stalls of local merchants and artists, take in a street performance, or watch fishmongers play catch with the catch of the day.
Day 2
Cruising
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 3
Juneau, Alaska
We will make our first stop in Juneau, Alaska. Juneau, the capital of Alaska, was founded during a gold rush in 1880. Today, the former gold-mining town counts among its riches some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. Nestled at the foot of Mt. Juneau in the Alaska Panhandle, it faces the water from the mainland side of Gastineau Channel. Several magnificent fjords are located along the channel coast, and the majestic Mendenhall Glacier, a favorite of visitors, is nearby.
Cruising (Alaska's Inside Passage)
On our next cruising day, we will be in the beautiful Alaska Inside Passage. The highlight of any cruise through the Inside Passage has to be Hubbard Glacier. It is one of the most active glaciers in the area and a great place to experience the majesty of a glacier up close. Sheets of ice separate themselves from the ice field in a process known as "galloping." When the ice finally crashes into the sea, you can hear a loud cracking sound, similar to a starter pistol. This process is known as "calving," and the sound echoes for miles.
Day 4
Skagway, Alaska
Our next stop is beautiful Skagway, Alaska where you can enjoy experiencing one of Alaska's most breathtaking valleys while horseback-riding through historic Dyea. Or, you could cruise to a remote beach at Glacier Point, then get aboard a 31-foot canoe and explore spectacular icebergs. Or how about experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design and blow your own glass art in the Last Frontier - complete with real gold in your finished piece. You could also enjoy the unforgettable journey aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World" and travel 20 miles from tidewater to the summit of the White Pass - a 2,865 foot elevation. Ride in vintage rail cars as you retrace the original route to the White Pass summit. This fully narrated tour features panoramas of mountains, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites.
Day 5
Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
We will then visit breathtaking Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska. Nestled between 3,000-foot high granite walls, the narrow, twisting slice of ocean called Tracy Arm Fjord weaves through the Tongass National Forest for roughly 35 miles. The shoreline is spotted with waterfalls created by melting snowcaps and trees sprouting at odd angles from rocky outcroppings. You will have ample time to admire the landscape and perhaps catch sight of a few native animals as you cruise through this port.
Day 6
Cruising
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
Day 7
Victoria, British Columbia
Next up is Victoria, British Columbia. Located on the southern tip on the island of Vancouver in British Columbia, the city of Victoria is probably best known for its mild climate and active outdoor lifestyle. (In fact, the city has been named the "fittest city" in Canada more than once.) As the capital of British Columbia, the city is very tourist-friendly. Visit the world-famous Butchart Gardens or the lush and exotic Butterfly Gardens and see how Victoria earned the nickname "The City of Gardens." Among the many attractions are world-famous gardens, its 150 years of British history, gourmet dining and fantastic shopping.
Day 8
Seattle, Washington
Finally, our journey comes to an end back in Seattle, Washington where it all began.
To get a more in-depth look at all our ports check out the Port Explorer Guide.
The Ship
The Ship
Explorer of the Seas
Is it adventure you seek, or a restful retreat from life on land? Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas® is home to an array of innovations that give you whatever type of vacation you desire. Climb a rock wall that overlooks the sea, or find your adventure on the basketball court, ice-skating rink or mini-golf course. If it's zen you seek, achieve it poolside or at the relaxing Vitality Spa. Liven up your nights on the Royal Promenade, with parades, dancing, and duty-free shopping deals. And bring along some friends with spacious public areas, enhanced staterooms, and a spectacular three-story dining room, this ship has room for your whole crew. The ship also has new innovative features at sea such as the FlowRider surf simulator, 3-D movie theater, all new staterooms including new virtual balconies, and new dining experiences.
Pricing
Pricing
Staterooms are as follows:
Room Type | Price |
Interior Stateroom | Sold Out |
Oceanview Stateroom | $1,799.00* |
Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom | $2,299.00* |
*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount. 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. 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 Seattle, WA.
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 $12.95 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