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2019 Alaska Quilting Adventure
Join Stitchin' Heaven and friends on a 7-night Alaska Sawyer Glacier Cruise! Cruise and learn from quilting experts: Tiffany Hayes, Heidi Pridemore, and Nancy Raschka-Reeves.
August 16 - 23, 2019
Seattle - Juneau - Skagway - Tracy Arm Fjord - Victoria
Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas Cruise Ship
Overview
Overview
Dear Friends,
You have always wanted to go to Alaska, right? Well now is the time! A wonderful way to see Alaska is on a quilting cruise. We will explore Juneau with the glaciers and the beautiful scenery, Skagway with the train and the quaint little town, and Victoria with Buchardt Gardens and so many things to do and see. Alaska has some great quilt shops as well that we will visit. If this is not enough, we will be sewing on the 13th deck in a Conference Center with floor to ceiling windows. What a great way to enjoy our sewing and experience the beauty of the Alaska wilderness. I hope you can join us on this incredible quilting adventure!
- 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
- 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
Tiffany Hayes
Tiffany is a wife to Scott and a mom to 3 grown kids. She has a passion for quilting (designing, piecing, hand applique and machine quilting). She has been quilting and teaching for more than 20 years. Her quilts have been featured by numerous publications, including The Quilter Magazine, Modern Quilts Unlimited and Keepsake Quilting, and she’s worked with various designers to create fabric collection-specific quilt patterns. She has developed The Goddess Tool and Block of the Month patterns that utilize that tool. Recently she became the proud owner of a brand new long arm quilting machine. She declares herself a Quilt Addict!
She designs and publishes under the name: Needle in a Hayes Stack.
Heidi Pridemore
Heidi is known for her fun and whimsical quilts and fabrics which she often makes in dramatic, bright colors. She also has an excellent reputation for writing clear and easy to follow instructions. Heidi designs a large number of project sheets featuring fabric lines from national companies such as Andover Fabrics, Blank Quilting, Michael Miller, Timeless Treasures and Henry Glass. She also designs quilt patterns for a variety of popular quilting magazines such as Quiltmaker, McCall’s and McCall’s Quick Quilts. In addition she has completed five books; Quilted Whimsy, Bold Batiks and Dazzling Designs for Leisure Arts; for C&T Publishing she has written Pop Up Paper Structures; for F&W Media, Fabric Jewelry-Wrapped, Braided and Sewn, published in 2009 and designs fabric for Fabri-Quilt. Heidi spends most of her time designing, giving lectures and running workshops. When not traveling she enjoys staying at home in Arizona with her husband Matthew.
Nancy Raschka-Reeves
Quilting is a family affair for Nancy. She joined forces with her mom, Gladys, who had her own handmade purse business called Glad Creations. Nancy added a couple hundred bolts of fabrics, a few classes, and Glad Creations Quilt Block was born. She now runs the shop with partner and sister, Susan Dyer. In 2016 they will celebrate their 40th year in business.
Nancy’s quilting expertise runs deep. “I started piecing and quilting traditionally – by hand with cardboard templates – and moved into rotary cutting, machine piecing and machine quilting.” As tools and techniques evolved, Nancy mastered every aspect of traditional to modern quilt making. Her favorite part of the process, though, is machine piecing, which is reflected in the nearly 100 patterns she and Susan have been designing since the 1980’s.
“We specialize in designs using simple parts that have a complex, scrappy overall appearance.” Each design starts as a mystery quilt and then becomes a pattern to be sold in shops around the country. Nancy looks forward to working with you on one of her designs!
Projects
Projects
Tiffany Hayes
Rockin Rail Fence
We are sure you will love this gorgeous quilt. It's interesting turn on strip piecing make it come together in a jiff. So, you might be able to finish this one while onboard. There are loads of layout possibilities. The variation in design make it intriguing and unique. We can't wait to see what your version will look like when you are finished. We will be using the Jingle Pop fabrics from Hoffman Fabrics. These strips are holiday but don't have an overbearing Christmas look to them. You will love them!
Finished Size: 72" x 72"
NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown
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Heidi Pridemore
Northern Lights
Create this stunning quilt to remember your amazing trip to Alaska. The colors of Alaska inspired the fabric choices to glow like the northern lights. The quilt is made with one block design that uses all the colors in the block. The blocks are made from flying geese and half-square triangles to make them a snap to complete. Heidi will show you a variety of rulers and share some tips and tricks for easy piecing. Create a momento of your great northern adventure.
Finished Size: 62" x 78"
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Nancy Raschka Reeves
Any Which Way
This easy quilt made up primarily of squares and rectangles with a few pinwheels added for interest. It will sew up quickly using strip sets. The fun comes when you start laying out your blocks. These half light/half dark blocks can be arranged in so many different ways! You can arrange your's Any Which Way!
Finished Size: 56" x 64"
NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown
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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 $395.00 and it includes includes the fabric and patterns (or book if applicable) for 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: Northern Lights, Rockin Rail Fence, and Any Which Way.
A complete supply list will be sent to you 90 days prior to departure.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Seattle, Washington
We begin our seven-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.
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
Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier
Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!
One of Alaska’s lesser-known gems, Endicott Arm Fjord marks the southern edge of Fords Terror Wilderness area. As you drift through its 30-mile-long stretch, you can’t help but be awed by the surrounding granite cliffs, mountain valleys and dozens of gushing waterfalls. Drifting icebergs, deep blue waters and a spectacular tidewater glacier only add to this natural spectacle’s appeal.
Endicott Arm is one of the largest breeding grounds for harbor seals on the planet. Keep your eyes peeled for these creatures splashing in icy waters near the ship. Along the shore you might also glimpse brown bears, bald eagles, sea ducks, deer, moose and wolves.
Your journey through scenic Endicott Arm Fjord ends with a front-row view of Dawes Glacier. Standing over 600 feet tall and a half-mile wide, this very active icecap is known for its spectacular calving displays which produce huge, chunky icebergs that float in area waters.
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
Return to Seattle, Washington.
The Ship
The Ship
Ovation of the Seas
Set sail for the ultimate exotic adventure on one of the world’s most innovative ships—Ovation of the Seas®. It’s game changers, space age spaces, dining that defies the imagination and edge-of-your-seat entertainment onboard. Marvel at the newest and third ship in the Quantum Class, Ovation of the Seas. Featuring the same groundbreaking venues as its sister ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, this ship is continuing to take cruisers to new heights. Ovation will offer guests a variety of activities, entertainment and dining options.
Ovation is a beautiful ship but the best part about it is the Conference Center located on Deck 13, back of the ship, with floor to ceiling windows! What a wonderful way to experience the beauty of the ocean while sewing on our projects.
Conference Room Setup:
On this ship we will be sewing four to a table with two side tables like the image below.
Here is a video about Ovation of the Seas and all the amazing things it has to offer.
Learn more about this amazing ship here
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Pricing
Pricing
Stateroom's are as follows:
| Room Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Interior Stateroom | $1,899.00* |
| Oceanview Stateroom | $2,299.00* |
| Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom | $2,999.00* |
*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount.
Port charges, taxes & fees of $425.85 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. 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 $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