San Diego, CA: April 6-11, 2025

Join us as we explore the vibrant city of San Diego, California, with our esteemed teachers Kelly Young and Michael Davison. Known for its stunning beaches and extensive parks, San Diego promises an unforgettable experience. A trip to the San Diego Zoo is included in our itinerary, allowing you to enjoy one of the city's premier attractions with the group! You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the USS Midway Museum and beautiful Balboa Park, discover a diverse culinary scene, or enjoy shopping in the historic Gaslamp Quarter on your own time.

The Land Ahoy! quilt retreats are designed for quilters who love to learn, travel, and explore. During your visit, explore local quilt shops such as Rosie's Calico Cupboard and Cozy Creative Center. We’ve chosen the Doubletree by Hilton San Diego, Mission Valley for our stay, where you can expect all the conveniences of a big city hotel in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Get ready for exciting projects and expert guidance from our instructors.

Sign up today for an unforgettable quilting adventure in sunny San Diego!

All this for only $1999 Double Occupancy.

Register by January 1, 2025

The Teachers

Kelly Young

Kelly Young, originally from Louisiana and now based in Germantown, TN, is an accomplished author, pattern designer, and quilting instructor. Her books include Perfectly Pieced Quilt Backs (2023), Scrappy Improv Quilting (2021), and Stash Statement (2018). Kelly has taught quilting techniques nationwide and has been featured in national and digital magazines like Modern Quilts Unlimited and Quiltmaker’s 100 Blocks. A former BERNINA Brand Ambassador and Aurifil Thread Artisan, Kelly embraces a wide range of quilt styles and colors. With a background as an elementary teacher for 15 years, she brings a fun and educational approach to her workshops, encouraging creativity in every student.

Michael Davison

Michael Davison is a renowned quilting expert with over twenty years in the textile industry, known for his stunning quilt creations and broad expertise across various styles. As a Quiltworx Certified Instructor, he specializes in foundation paper piecing and longarm quilting, utilizing unique fabric blends and exclusive quilting rulers. Michael teaches in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and nationally, including online courses and tutorials available on his YouTube channel. Discover more about his quilts and services at michaelquilts.com.

The Projects

Starfire

Instructor: Kelly Young

Embrace the San Diego Sunset with the warm, fiery colors in this quilt! You'll be amazed at how clever color placement and block layout create the twisting effect around each star. Just a few basic units come together to create a truly mesmerizing design! This is no ordinary star quilt. These stars are as memorable as gazing upon a west coast sunset.
 

Finished Size: 72" x 88"

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 (coming soon)

Sold out

Riptides

Instructor: Michael Davison

Riptides is a fun beginner friendly Judy Niemeyer Quiltworx foundation
paper piecing pattern. We’ve chosen some fantastic Riley Blake batiks in coastal colors reminiscent of the San Diego oceanside for this project’s pre-cut kit. You’ll learn all the basic Judy Niemeyer techniques, along with tips & tricks from Quiltworx Certified Instructor Michael Davison, in this quilt comprised of several repeated blocks. Want to make it larger? Contact the events team* to request additional kit(s). In any size, the Riptides project will be a great way to commemorate your trip in San Diego!

Finished Size options: 66" x 66"

You can purchase your quilt kit during registration.

*Contact information will be sent via email after 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 San Diego Supply List.

The Hotel

Doubletree by Hilton San Diego, Mission Valley

Located in the heart of Mission Valley, the DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley is just five minutes from the Fashion Valley mall and surrounded by trendy dining options. This hotel positions guests within a 15-minute drive of top attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Old Town, and SeaWorld. The vibrant Gaslamp Quarter and pristine San Diego beaches are just 20 minutes away. Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools, ensuring relaxation regardless of the weather. Welcoming you with a signature warm chocolate chip cookie upon arrival, the hotel promises comfort and convenience for all visitors.

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 on a luxury motorcoach
  • 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! San Diego, CA

All this for only $1999 Double Occupancy.

Register by January 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