Minneapolis, MN: August 10-14, 2025

Join us as we explore the vibrant arts and culture of Minneapolis, Minnesota, with our renowned teachers Nancy Mahoney and Chris Hoover. Minneapolis, celebrated for its diverse artistic offerings, promises an enriching and memorable experience. Dive into the world of modern art with a visit to the celebrated Walker Art Center and stroll through the iconic Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture.

The "Land Ahoy!" quilt retreats are designed for quilters who thrive on learning, traveling, and exploring. Enhance your trip with an exciting excursion on Wednesday, as we hop through the best quilt shops in the Minneapolis area. We've selected the DoubleTree by Hilton as our base, combining the vibrant city atmosphere with the comfort and convenience you expect from a first-class hotel. Ready your needles for innovative projects and expert guidance from our talented instructors.

Sign up today for an unforgettable quilting adventure in the heart of Minneapolis!

 

All this for only $1999 Double Occupancy.

Register by May 1, 2025

The Teachers

Nancy Mahoney

Nancy Mahoney is a distinguished quilt maker with over 35 years of experience, showcasing her work in over 250 quilt magazines and authoring 14 books on quilting techniques. Her contributions to the quilting world include over 100 original patterns and 15 fabric collections, with notable 1930s reproduction lines. An active community member, Nancy travels across the U.S. to lead workshops that focus on piecing and machine appliqué techniques. Explore her work, techniques, and fabric collections at www.nancymahoney.com.

 

Chris Hoover

Chris Hoover, a passionate quilter since 1989, has evolved from creating a block a week to a block a day, specializing in sampler and scrappy quilts. Inspired by a blend of color, texture, architecture, and nature, Chris has been teaching and speaking at quilt shops and guilds since 1999. Her designs, featured in Quiltmania, Best Fat Quarter Quilts, and other publications, appear complex but are structured for simplicity. Chris designs under Whirligig Designs; explore her techniques and styles at www.whirligigdesigns.com.

The Projects

Road to Paradise

Instructor: Nancy Mahoney

This large throw quilt features a cheerful and colorful scrappy design. The Nine Patch Chain blocks are efficiently strip-pieced and color-organized for quick assembly. The Star blocks incorporate diverse prints in the star-point units, which can be created using foundation paper piecing or specialty rulers. A solid background integrates the blocks, enhancing the quilt's two-block pattern. Fabric selections are carefully chosen to closely match the original design.
 
You can purchase your quilt kit during registration.

Note: If you do not intend to purchase a quilt kit, you will need to purchase the pattern.

Sold out

Lake Beauty

Instructor: Chris Hoover

This stunning quilt features a dynamic geometric design crafted with vibrant shades of blue, teal, and navy. The arrangement of triangles and diamond shapes creates a mesmerizing three-dimensional effect that draws the eye and suggests movement across the quilt. Set against a rich dark blue background, the bold blue tones stand out beautifully, offering a striking depth and contrast.

Delicate white pinwheel motifs along the edges provide a subtle, elegant touch that complements the bold central design. This quilt combines traditional quilting elements with a contemporary color palette and intricate layout, making it an eye-catching and sophisticated piece.

You can purchase your quilt kit during registration.

Note: If you do not intend to purchase a quilt kit, you will need to purchase the pattern here:

Sold out

Supply List

Rulers & Templates

  • Basic Rulers: 6" x 12"

Basic Sewing Supplies

  • Small scissors or thread snips
  • Rotary Cutter
  • Rotary blades
  • Seam ripper
  • Quilting Pins
  • Small cutting mat
  • Marking pens and/or pencils

Optional (recommended)

  • Quart & Gallon size Zip-Loc baggies
  • Task Light
  • Small personal craft iron
  • Small ironing surface
  • Small spray bottle

More informaiton and quilt specific supply requirements can be found on the Land Ahoy! Minneapolis Supply List.

The Hotel

Doubletree by Hilton Minneapolis, MN

Located in the vibrant Park Place area, the DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Park Place offers a prime location just minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Positioned near popular attractions like Target Field, the Walker Art Center, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, guests are within a short drive of the city's top cultural and entertainment spots. The hotel is also conveniently close to shopping and dining at The Shops at West End. With amenities like a heated indoor pool and fitness center, guests can unwind in style. Upon arrival, enjoy the signature warm chocolate chip cookie as part of the DoubleTree's commitment to comfort and hospitality.

Want to know more?

This quilting retreat is a quilt-cruise-style event held at luxury hotels on land. You will spend an entire week at a luxurious hotel where you can sew on the BERNINA sewing machine that is yours to use for the whole trip. You will learn from two excellent instructors, and as always, we will provide Stitchin' Heaven support staff. As with the cruises, our two beautiful projects will have optional pre-cut kits available for purchase. Also included is a Fun Friday project with a complimentary kit, a SHAG (Stitchin' Heaven Amazing Gift) box, and sew much more.
  • Welcome Reception (with light snacks and beer/wine/champagne)
  • 5-nights lodging in a beautiful and luxurious 4-star hotel
  • A BERNINA sewing machine assigned just to you for you to sew on all week
  • Your own 6' table, so there is no need to have to share your space
  • Five fun-filled days of sewing, and laughing, and making memories
  • Two world-class instructors in each location
  • Evening lectures and trunk shows with the teachers
  • Tips and tricks to make your quilt making easier.
  • Stitchin' Heaven support staff.
  • Two sewing projects that were selected so that you can have fun and you can FINISH!
  • Optional pre-cut fabric kits so you can begin sewing on the first day.
  • Fun Friday Projects with the kit included.
  • SHAG Bag (Stitchin' Heaven Amazing Gifts) valued at over $100
  • Exclusive event shirt
  • Excursion to local quilt shops and attractions throughout the Minneapolis area.
  • Three breakfast and four lunches included at minimum. Each hotel will have customized food options. And chocolate.
  • Many other hotel-specific amenities (see each location for more information)
  • Prizes, surprises, and a boatload of fun

Land Ahoy! Minneapolis, MN

All this for only $1999 Double Occupancy.

Register by May 1, 2025

" It is fun and regardless if you are an older beginner or an advance quilter you will learn and pass your experience on to others. You will not be disappointed."

- Land Ahoy Traveler

"Loved Erin, Amy, and Erika as well as Nancy and Sandy. All amazing people and would definitely travel with them again in the future. The projects were also amazing because I learned something new and challenging."

- Land Ahoy Traveler