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Allure of Quilting Cruise


Join Stitchin' Heaven and Friends on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise! Cruise and learn from three quilting experts: Debra Gabel, Nancy Mahoney, & Donna Thomas!

February 26 - March 5, 2017

Overview

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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. 

"The Batik 2015 trip exceeded my expectations and I would definitely consider another cruise, possibly within the next two years with Stitchin' Heaven Travel! I will also want to invite a few friends to enjoy the experience with again."

"This was my first cruise and obviously first quilt cruise, now I can't imagine doing a cruise without quilting! I loved it!"

"If you want a fun cruise, check out Stitchin' Heaven! They are organized, think of everything, and bring in great teachers. And provide laser cut kits so we are ready to sew."

Sensational Reasons to take a Quilting Cruise

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 330 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!

Overview Image

Instructors

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Instructors

Debra Gabel www.zebrapatterns.com

Debra Gabel www.zebrapatterns.com

Pattern designer, author, quilter, teacher, lecturer, Zebra Patterns business owner and award-winning quiltmaker, Debra Gabel has been featured as a "pioneer and rebel" in quilting by Fab Shop news in 2011. She was born in Middletown, NY. She started as a child and quilting as a teen. After many professional moves within the United States, she and her family settled in Clarksville, MD. Armed with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design Debra worked professionally in the packaging industry. Her independent graphic design business, Mixed Media has been in operation since 1988. After rediscovering quilting in the late 1990’s she started teaching and patterning in 2000. She has steadily built up her own pattern line of over 300 patterns; that include 40 beautiful florals, 12 Butterflies, 12 Bible scenes, over 170 signature stamp designs, 12 Sea-life patterns, a series of Holiday Houses, Skiny Barns, several baby quilts, and four published pattern books.

Debra teaches and lectures internationally at quilt guilds, seminars and fiber events. Many of her art quilts have been published in books, magazines, on the Internet and on blogs. Many memory quilt makers love her signature “postage stamp” patterns and printed panels. She also has an impressive range of beautiful award winning quilts featured in several books as well as numerous magazines. Debra has a gift of sharing her inspiring ideas with her students in such a positive and unique way. She intends to continue lecturing and teaching as quilter/speaker/author and travel the world through quilting.

Nancy Mahoney www.nancymahoney.com

Nancy Mahoney www.nancymahoney.com

Author, teacher, and fabric designer, Nancy has enjoyed making quilts for over 25 years, during which time an impressive range of her beautiful quilts have been featured in over 110 national and international quilt magazines. She has also created over 80 quilt patterns for a variety of fabric manufacturers. Nancy has authored 13 books since 2002, all have been published by Martingale. Her bestselling books include Appliqué Quilt Revival (2008), Quilt Revival (2006), Treasures for the 30s (2010), Fast, Fusible Flower Quilts (2011), Kaleidoscope Paper-Piecing (2012), and Simple Circles and Gentle Curves (2013). She has designed 15 fabric collections, including five 30s reproduction collections for P&B Textiles. Nancy is working on her next book and fabric collection.

Nancy enjoys combining traditional blocks and updated techniques to create dazzling quilts. Not considering herself a specialist in one particular area, Nancy's favorite techniques include precision machine piecing, quilt design, and machine appliqué. Nancy has taught many workshops nationwide for guilds, shops, and conferences; including International Quilt Festival (Houston), Minnesota Quilter's Conference, Kentucky Getaway, Road to California, A Mountain Quiltfest (Tennessee), and many more. Nancy believes making a quilt should be fun. In her classes, Nancy's goal is for students to have a good time, learn something new, and make a quilt that they will enjoy for many years. When she's not designing and making quilts, Nancy enjoys traveling to guilds and events around the country, sharing her quilts, teaching her piecing and machine appliqué techniques, and visiting gardens. 

Donna Thomas www.donnalynnthomas.com

Donna Thomas www.donnalynnthomas.com

Donna has been sewing since the age of four and passionately quilting since 1975. It has carried her happily through her earlier years as an Army wife and the many years and moves since. She began teaching in 1981, and while an Army wife, lived in Germany for four years and thoroughly enjoyed teaching at a German quilt shop and various guilds throughout the country.

Having taught nationally and internationally, she is the author of 14 titles with Martingale, one self published book, and one with Kansas City Star, she has also contributed articles on various quilt-related subjects to numerous publications over the years. You can see Donna on a couple of QnnTv episodes in recent years and she is the designer of the Omnigrip On-Point Ruler. She earned her National Quilting Association certification for basic quilt making (NQACT) in 1988. 

Long out of the Army, the Thomases have settled in Kansas for good. Donna and her husband provide staff assistance to three cats and a dog. All of her quilts are lovingly pre-furred! Donna still teaches nationally.

Projects

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Projects

Debra's Travel Tote

Debra's Travel Tote

You will love this beautiful travel tote that will be embellished with the mini-panels of the ports we visit on our cruise. Debra is a whiz at showing you all kinds of sparkle that will make your tote bag truly "one of a kind".

Not only will it be beautiful it also will be useful. Take it to the beach or take it shopping in one of the ports of call. It is constructed using the vinyl mesh with woven handles so you will for sure finish it during class and have it ready to go for the next stop!

The finished bag will measure approximately 15in x 13in x 4in.  Pattern required if you plan to bring your own fabric. You can purchase the Vinyl Mesh Market Bag pattern here.

Lots Of Dots

Lots Of Dots

We will start with lots of polka-dot fabric, toss in a few circles, add a dollop of whimsy, and let the fabrics fall where they may in this happy quilt that's sure to tickle your fancy.

The finished size measures 59 1/2" X 59 1/2". Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kit for this project will be similar but not exact. Book required if you plan to bring your own fabric. You can purchase the Simple Circles & Quick Curves book here.

Coral Reef

Coral Reef

You are just going to LOVE this quilt because of the many options. What we will do is make eight blocks at a time, each time using different prints. Repeat 10 times to make 80 blocks as we need for the quilt set. The block requires one dark print and one light print for the triangles, and two main prints/colors for the corner piecing plus an accent print for each main print.

Once the blocks are done we will play around with the setting. All the quilts in the class will not be alike! Our finished project is made from 9" blocks.

The quilt measures 72" x 90". This image is to show the design of the quilt only. It will be updated once the actual fabrics are selected.

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. These can be purchased here. We will not have patterns for purchase on board for the classes. Click here for the fabric requirements and cutting instructions.

A complete supply list will be sent to you 90 days prior to departure. 

Itinerary

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Itinerary

Day 1

Fort 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.

People have been flocking to Fort Lauderdale's beaches for decades. And with good reason. Fort Lauderdale Beach is a two-mile strip of beautiful beach featuring the recently renovated Promenade, which offers all sorts of bars, restaurants and shops.

Day 2

Nassau, Bahamas

For a city now known for its warming sun and balmy breezes, Nassau has a tumultuous past. First settled by the English, the area was contested by England, France and Spain. For many years, Nassau was a home base for notorious pirates, and it was burned to the ground by the Spanish three different times. Since 1740, however, visitors from all over the world in search of both relaxation and adventure have made Nassau their favorite destination.

Note: The classroom will open at 2:00 for free-time sewing if you want to bring a project to work on.

Day 3

Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 4

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

St. Thomas is known as an idyllic vacation spot today, but its history is not so peaceful. In the 18th century, the island was at the center of a bustling pirate culture, as swashbuckling pirates such as Blackbeard and Drake traded stolen wares in the port of Charlotte Amalie. This world-renowned Caribbean island is home to amazing beaches, gorgeous sea and landscapes and unbelievable duty-free shopping. While the beaches and ocean are beautiful, there is one thing that really sets St. Thomas apart - shopping. Browse through the shop-lined streets of Charlotte Amalie and find out why St. Thomas is called the "duty-free shopping capital of the world." Shop for duty-free trinkets and bargains on everything from liquor to imported china and crystal. Visitors can bring home $1,200 in merchandise without paying duty - twice the limit of most of the Caribbean.

NOTE:  From our many visits to the island, we have developed a relationship with a fantastic jeweler, Imperial Jewelers. Charlie and his family run this well-respected jewelry store and have graciously offered to provide transportation for our group to their store.

Day 5

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

When the Spanish closed their colonial fort on St. Maarten in 1648, a few Dutch and French soldiers hid on the island and decided to share it. Soon after, the Netherlands and France signed a formal agreement to split St. Maarten in half, as it is today. Philipsburg displays its Dutch heritage in its architecture and landscaping. The island offers endless stretches of beach, beautiful landscapes and great shopping.

Day 6

Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 7

Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 8

Port Canaveral, Florida

We return to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

The Ship

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The Ship

Allure of the Seas

Winner of the Best Overall Cruise Ship award for two years running, Allure of the Seas is a captivating adventure unlike any other. Explore seven distinct neighborhoods filled with awesome new features – like the first Starbucks® at sea, dance and jive with Broadway hit musical Mamma Mia! and enjoy favorite moments with Shrek, Po the panda, and more friends in the DreamWorks Experience. Spice up your sailing with Mexican-fare favorites atSabor, or with prime cuts straight from the skewer at Samba Grill Brazilian Steakhouse. And there's still plenty more Oasis-class WOWs to be had, from the classic carousel on the Boardwalk®, to aerial acrobats in the AquaTheaterFlowRider® surf simulators, plus zip line views over Central Park®—a meandering garden lined with shops and fine restaurants.

Pricing

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Pricing

Stateroom's are as follows

Room Type

Price

Interior Stateroom

$1,299.00*

Oceanview Stateroom

$1,499.00*

Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom

$1,699.00*

*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount. 
Port charges, taxes & fees of $214.66 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. 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. Unfortunately, discounts from Royal Caribbean are not allowed through our group program. In order to take full benefit of everything Stitchin Heaven Travel offers on our cruises, you must register through us. If you have questions or need assistance, please let us know.

Travel Information

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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 andties, while woman usually wear cocktail dresses.

Gratuities

Gratuities are a part of your cruise expense and total $12 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

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