*FREE shipping on orders of $99+

2020 Texas Two Step Quilting Cruise

Join Stitchin' Heaven and Friends on a 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise! Cruise and learn from three quilting experts: Kari Nichols, Toni Steere, and Donna Thomas!
May 24 - 31, 2020
Galveston - Cozumel - Grand Cayman - Jamaica
Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas Cruise Ship

Overview

plus minus

Overview

Dear Friends,

Watching couples coast around at the honky-tonk may intimidate the double-left-footed, but heck, if a cowboy can dance, how tough is it, really? “Two-stepping is just walking to a beat,” says Austin-based Rowdy DuFrene, a two-time United Country Western Dance Council World Champion. And so what does that have to do with quilting? Well, quilting is just sewing to a beat, right? We decided to feature this cruise from Galveston – our favorite Texas cruise port – and offer some Texas-appropriate projects to go along with us. So grab your partner and let’s go!

- 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

plus minus

Instructors

Kari Nichols

Kari Nichols

www.mountainpeekcreations.com

Kari Nichols is manager of Holly’s Quilt Cabin, a large quilting store in the Denver Metro area. Being a native Coloradoan, and from a family of seamstresses, Kari grew up enjoying many quilts. The love of color and design was first shown in stained glass. Her stained glass pieces received awards and can be found in many homes. When a favorite piece was broken, re-creating it in fabric was the logical choice. This choice led to a career change and joining the Quilt Cabin family. Mountainpeek Creations, the quilt pattern design company, was born in 2001. Mountainpeek patterns are sold internationally and give quilters unique and contemporary designs for any skill level. Kari’s patterns have been featured in multiple publications and are available on the Mountainpeek Creations website along with her 2 books.

When Kari is not quilting, you will find her enjoying her Grandchildren and traveling!

Toni Steere

Toni Steere

Born and raised in Montana, i’m the youngest of six children. I married a Kansan in 1981 and settled in the beautiful Flinthills of Kansas, where I still reside. In 1987 I was blessed with my daughter Vanessa and she has doubled that blessing with my, of coarse adorable, grandson Brody. I began Quilting in 1988 and immediately knew I’d found my calling. I opened Prairie Pieces Quilt shop in Council Grove Kansas in 1990 and sold it in fall of 2006 to pursue other avenues in the industry. In 2007 I was offered the opportunity to design fabric collections for Timeless Treasures. I then started Wing and a Prayer Design with my friend and design partner Jennifer Foltz. For the last 11 years we have designed cotton collections and curated Batik groups for our exclusive Timeless BOM programs. In addition to our block of the month, each year we create a faith panel and quilt staying true to our wing and a prayer roots.

Since becoming the National Educator for Timeless Treasures Fabrics in 2017, my love of traveling and my passion for Quilting has been melded into the perfect job, frankly it’s hardly feels like a job when you’re doing something that feeds your soul. Whether it’s lecturing or teaching I am certainly in my happy place. 

When I’m at home I enjoy cooking, tending my flowers, movies and football!

Donna Thomas

Donna Thomas

http://www.donnalynnthomasquilter.com

Donna Lynn Thomas has been sewing since the age of four and passionately quilting since 1975. 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. Long out of the Army, the Thomas’ have settled in Kansas for good. Donna continues to teach nationally. 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 Craftsy as well as several QNN-TV episodes.

Believing that piecing quilts should be a pleasure, not a fight, her focus is on skills mastery and techniques that enable her students to enjoy frustration-free sewing. She presents the essentials of these skills in her Craftsy class, Piece Like a Pro, and her two most recent books Quiltmaking Essentials 1 and 2. Donna is also the designer of the Omnigrip On-Point Ruler™ and its companion ruler, the On-Point Square™, which allow us to produce squares, strips, rectangles, and half-square triangle units that measure neatly on the diagonal without any math. Donna and her husband provide staff assistance to three cats and a sunny golden retriever.

Projects

plus minus

Projects

Kari Nichols - Button Holes

Kari Nichols - Button Holes

Quick and easy fat quarter pattern with options for having your small “buttonholes” all one fabric or coordinating. Great throw size with other sizing included. Island Batik Midsummer night fabrics make this glow!!

Finished Size: 54.5" x 70.5"

NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown. If you do not purchase the Sail N Sew you will need to purchase the pattern here: Button Holes

Toni Steere - Diamonds At Sea

Toni Steere - Diamonds At Sea

The Diamond Of the Sea quilt was designed especially for quilters on the Texas Two Step Cruise. Tongas Batiks in Caribbean colors are sure to make this a treasured quilt project.  The nine center blocks were created for perfecting techniques used throughout quilting. The diamond pieced inner border continue to offer skill building techniques and enhances the stunning quilt center.  

Finished Size: 62" x 62"

NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown. This project requires the Creative Grids 4 1/2 square and the Creative Grids 2 Peaks in 1 Triangle rulers. If you do not purchase the Sail N Sew you will need to purchase the pattern here: Diamonds At Sea

Donna Thomas - Tradewinds

Donna Thomas - Tradewinds

Just like the winds gently blowing in waves across the colorful tropics, come join us as we head south and play in the waves of color moving across Donna's quilt Tradewinds. Simple to make, the 10'' blocks are composed of easy four-patches and half-square triangle units. Where the blocks meet, pretty little pinwheels form to catch the wind. As always, Donna will pass on lots of little tips and tricks that make this quilt a breeze to sew!

The beautiful palette of 26 colors is drawn completely from the Michael Miller cotton couture collection resulting in a rich and vibrant quilt that will remind you of your visit to the beautiful tropics for years to come.

Finished Size: 60" x 80"

NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown. If you do not purchase the Sail N Sew you will need to purchase the pattern here: Tradewinds

Optional Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack

Projects shown are representative of the quilt to be made. Unless otherwise noted, all fabrics will be different but are matched as closely to the quilt as possible.

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. Every attempt will be made to match the fabrics as closely to the photo as possible if fabric is no longer available.

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: Button Holes, Diamonds At SeaTradewinds.

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

Itinerary

plus minus

Itinerary

Day 1

Galveston Island is Texas' top historic destination. Guests on cruises from Galveston can enjoy 32 miles of relaxing beaches, great seafood, tropical scenery, superb restaurants, marvelous downtown shopping, breathtaking Victorian architecture, numerous antique stores, incredible art galleries, plus tons of attractions, entertainment venues and world-class sportfishing. Probably the most charming way to discover this historic city is by carriage. Take a carriage ride through the Victorian-era streets and let your driver take you back through history.

Day 1 Image

Day 2

Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 3

Cozumel, Mexico

The Conquistadors first saw Mexico from the shores of Cozumel while searching for gold. Today, visitors to the island continue to seek out gold and silver jewelry in the shops of San Miguel while having a great time in its many local bars and restaurants. Plus, the waters around Cozumel's sheltered coral reefs make this one of the best snorkeling areas in the world. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tulúm, majestically perched above the turquoise Caribbean. The site was occupied as far back as 600 A.D. However, it was most densely populated around 1200 A.D. You will be struck by the pyramid-shaped El Castillo, which dominates the city from atop a forty-foot cliff. The nearby Temple of the Descending God provides equally excellent insight into the architecture of the Mayan people, who gained considerable achievements in the arts and sciences, only to decline and vanish for no apparent reason.

Day 3 Image

Day 4

Georgetown, Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is one of a group of three magnificent tropical islands Christopher Columbus called "Las Tortugas" (the turtles) for the sea creatures he found in the ocean water. The designation did not endure, however, for on later maps the islands were labeled the Caimanau, the Carib Indian word for "crocodile." The name "Caimanas" refers inaccurately to the iguanas native to the islands, which were perhaps at one point mistaken for crocodiles. Among other attractions, visitors to the island will enjoy learning about the turtles, visiting the town of Hell, exploring Seven-Mile Beach and enjoying the undersea world. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: snorkeling with stingrays at Stingray City Sandbar. These relatively tame creatures will swim right into your arms as they glide around you. They have velvety soft skin and love to have their bellies rubbed. Despite their frightening name, they are very gentle and won't hurt you as long as you stay away from their tails.

Day 4 Image

Day 5

Falmouth, Jamaica

Quaint Falmouth was an economic powerhouse and center for dramatic social change during the English Colonial Period. In today's Falmouth, visitors still enjoy 19th-century Georgian architecture as well as river bamboo raft rides, arts and crafts shopping, flavorful local fare and horse-and-buggy rides. Falmouth is the gateway to the best Jamaica has to offer. Just east of Falmouth is Ocho Rios, known for its spectacular Dunn’s River Falls. Travel west to reach Montego Bay and the beautiful beaches of Negril. Thanks to its central location, Falmouth gives visitors the best tour experiences of the north coast of Jamaica. Visit the spectacular Dunn's River Falls near Ocho Rios, where you can climb 600 feet up from the base of the falls or retreat to the beach where the rushing water exits into the ocean. At Dolphin Cove you can watch the dolphins at play or walk through the jungle to see friendly birds and iguanas. From dune buggy safaris and river tubing to a horse and buggy tour, you will find many activities to keep you entertained.

Day 5 Image

Day 6

Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 7

Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 8

Galveston, Texas

Return to Galveston, Texas.

The Ship

plus minus

The Ship

Liberty of the Seas

The newly renovated Liberty of the Seas® is packed with all the phenomenal onboard experiences you'd expect from our innovative Freedom class of ships, plus new offerings to stir your imagination. Share a high five with Shrek as part of The DreamWorks® Experience. Put on your boogie shoes for hit Broadway musical Saturday Night Fever. Catch a first-run movie in the 3D theater or poolside under the stars on the outdoor movie screen. And finish the evening with a selection of reds or whites at the renovated, now-more-intimate Vintages wine bar. Plus, enjoy all the revolutionary features Liberty of the Seas has always been known for – like the FlowRider® surf simulator, rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, Royal Promenade, cantilevered whirlpools, mini golf course, and much more.

Pricing

plus minus

Pricing

Stateroom's are as follows:

*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount.

Room TypePrice
Interior Stateroom$1,199.00*
Oceanview Stateroom$1,399.00*
Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom$1,599.00*

*Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount. 
Port charges, taxes & fees of $288.32 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

plus minus

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 Galveston, Texas.

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

×

Call for Price

x