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Aurifil Designers Quilting Cruise


Join Stitchin' Heaven and Friends on a 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise! Cruise and learn from three quilting experts: Carrie Nelson, Lucy Sessions, & Sherri Falls!

April 17 - 24, 2016

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."

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 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, 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!

During our sewing classes, we will be using spools of Aurifil™ thread. Each cruiser will be provided a free spool of 50wt. thread. Aurifil™ thread is perfectly suited for every quilt project. Learn more about this wonderful thread at www.aurifil.com.

Also during our sewing classes, we will only be using Oliso® Pro Steam Irons. This ain’t your momma’s steam iron! This professional-grade steam iron features award-winning technology and was designed with quilters in mind. Some of the features included are a pointed detailer tip and flat pressing area, three-way steam, the ability to perform as a dry iron, and an extended auto shut-off. We love this iron and you will too! You can view the full line of Oliso Smart Irons online at www.oliso.com

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.

As usual, we bring you several quilt projects to work on, taught by amazing and talented instructors and designers in the world of quilting: Carrie Nelson, Lucy Sessions, & Sherri Falls!

We look forward to our next adventure together with you!

Overview Image

Instructors

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Instructors

Carrie Nelson • Miss Rosie's Quilt Company

Carrie Nelson • Miss Rosie's Quilt Company

Just in case you don't already know this about Miss Rosie's Quilt Company, Rosie is Carrie Nelson's golden retriever. Carrie gives her top billing because she says she's prettier and nicer. At 12 years old, Rosie is a little bit less dignified than she'd like you to believe. A quilt isn't really a quilt until she's rolled around and slept on it. She still inspects every bag, box, and package that comes into the house, especially those boxes of fabric from Moda, since they're addressed to her anyway.

While Rosie isn't much of a quilter, she's an excellent quilting teacher. Her "golden rules" are simple: Play every day and enjoy it to the fullest. Jump into everything with unabashed enthusiasm and a passion for what you're doing. Don't worry about what anybody else thinks; as long as you're happy and having fun, that truly is the only thing that matters. And no matter what, always be open to new adventures, new ideas, and new challenges.

Lucy Sessions

Lucy Sessions

Lucy Sessions is a talented quilter and a teacher. For her, it’s all about sharing the knowledge, from focusing on quilting basics to utilizing her knack for deciphering the most complex patterns. Her enthusiasm for teaching combined with her natural wit and her extensive knowledge of quilting techniques make her a hit in any classroom. 

For the past eight years, Lucy has taught a large variety of classes at Stitchin’ Heaven in Mineola, Texas. She hosts two retreats per year and is a hostess on cruises for Stitchin’ Heaven. Lucy’s teaching experience includes everything from beginning sewing to advanced tailoring. She has always had in-home sewing business including draperies, tailoring and custom clothing.

In 1990, Lucy enrolled in an all-night quilting class leaving the next morning with a completed quilt top and a new passion. During the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Lucy’s quilt “Bird of Paradise” was presented to the flag bearer from St. Kitts. In 1997, Lucy was commissioned by Georgia’s Bibb County School Board to design and make a quilt. The finished quilt measured 18’ by 6’ and hangs in school board meeting room.

In 2009, Lucy’s husband bought her a long-arm quilting machine…and so began another career. Lucy now manages the Stitchin’ Heaven Long-arm department. Lucy and her husband, Dennis, currently live in Quitman, Texas. They have five children and 13 grandchildren.

Sherri Falls • This & That

Sherri Falls • This & That

Sherri began quilting in 1994. She enjoyed trying to put patterns together in different ways and experimented with designing her own patterns. In 2000, Sherri started a machine quilting business with her mother who owns a quilt store in scenic Waconia, MN. It was at that store that she met Eileen Taylor, designer of the Holly Taylor fabric line from Moda. Eileen encouraged Sherri to try creating patterns with her fabric and This & That Pattern Company was born.

Since 2004, Sherri has designed many patterns and a book for the Holly Taylor fabric lines. In addition, Sherri has designed charm patterns and other fun patterns for jelly rolls and layer cakes under the “Little Scraps” and “Breakfast Club” lines.  Her newest designs include embroidery along with the piecing for quick and easy, take-on-the-go projects. 

Sherri has been married to her husband, Paul, for 21 years. They have two girls and a boy, ages 18, 15, and 12.

Projects

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Projects

Carrie Nelson: Bennington

Carrie Nelson: Bennington

Bow-ties or butterflies… the Italians call both “Farfalle”. At least that’s what the package of bow tie pasta is called. The blocks are simple to make and the class project is a nicely sized throw quilt. 

The quilt is made with 36 blocks that finish at 8 1/2” x 8 1/2”, a plain inner border and a piano-key outer border. Different setting options will be provided to you in class. This quilt can easily be made larger. You will just need more fabric and thread. 

Finished Size: 63" x 63"

Lucy Sessions: Tropical Turnover

Lucy Sessions: Tropical Turnover

Fun like this should be illegal! You are sure to love this amazing quilt that is a wonderful stashbuster. 

The blocks are super-easy to make, go together quickly, and when you're done you will have a stunning quilt that looks SO complicated your family and friends will be amazed!

Finished Size: 64" x 64".

Sherri Falls: CocoCay

Sherri Falls: CocoCay

CocoCay is a beautiful quilt reminiscent of the beautiful waters of the private island of CocoCay in the Bahamas. Here you will find an abundance of beach and water wonders.

This quilt was designed by our own Deb Luttrell and is wonderfully simple to make. It features beautiful bright batik fabrics from Moda. With the pre-cut option, you should have not trouble at all finishing this one while you are on the ship.

Finished Size: 78” x 96”

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 $350.00 and it includes all three of the projects for this cruise. Individual kits can be purchased for $125.00 per project. 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.

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 $300.00 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 - Port Canaveral, Florida

The gateway to Central Florida, Port Canaveral provides access to the wonderful theme parks and entertainment complexes of Orlando, the spectacular wonders of the Kennedy Space Center and the natural habitats of the alligator and Florida manatee. Experience the wonders of the Kennedy Space Center with the whole family. See, hear and touch NASA's glorious past, inspiring present and exciting future. Stroll through the Rocket Garden, home of Apollo and Gemini-era rockets, board life-size replicas of the space shuttle Explorer and see spacecraft that have actually orbited the Earth. Explore Cocoa Beach, made famous by "I Dream of Jeannie," just a short drive from Port Canaveral and south of the Kennedy Space Center. You'll be charmed by the unique shops, many parks and 12 miles of beaches.

Day 2 - CocoCay, Bahamas

Surrounded by the gentle, translucent waters of the Bahamas chain lies the secluded island of CocoCay®, an eco-certified private destination. Reserved exclusively for cruise ship guests, this 140-acre tropical paradise was awarded a Gold-Level Eco-Certification by Sustainable Travel International™ for its environmentally friendly activities and tours. With its white-sand beaches and spectacular surroundings, CocoCay is a wonderland of adventures. Explore new aquatic facilities, nature trails and a ton of great places to just sit back, relax and enjoy a tropical drink. Discover many ways to relax or go on a unique adventure in CocoCay. One of our private island's most popular options takes you down the coast aboard a waverunner. Fly past Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse, Slaughter Harbor and Starfish Alley. It’s a thrilling ride in the Bahamas that’s worth taking.

CocoCay

Day 3 - Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 4 - Charlotte Amile, 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!

St. Thomas

Day 5 - Phillipsburg, St. Marteen

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. Snorkel at Crole Rock, part of a protected seashore! There has been a marked increase of sea-life returning to the rocky island over the past decade or so. It is not at all unusual to see turtles, rays, barracuda, tarpon and a wide variety of reef fish. One side is very protected, while the other is open to deeper water and all manner of pelagic life. Creole Rock is very popular, and is said to be the most varied and rewarding snorkeling site in and around the Grand Case Bay area.

Day 6 - Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 7 - Cruising

Quilting Classes in the Conference Center!

Day 8 - Port Canaveral, Florida

Return to Port Canaveral, Florida.

Day

Port

Arrive

Depart

Day 1Port Canaveral, Florida 4:30 PM
Day 2Cococay, Bahamas 7:00 AM 4:00 PM
Day 3Cruising  
Day 4Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas12:00 PM7:00 PM
Day 5Philipsburg, St. Marteen8:00 AM5:00 PM
Day 6Cruising  
Day 7Cruising  
Day 8Port Canaveral, Florida6:00 AM 

The Ship

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The Ship

Freedom of the Seas

The newly enhanced Freedom of the Seas® is a marvel of maritime engineering, packed with awesome innovations to stir your imagination. Share a high five with Shrek as part of The DreamWorks Experience. Catch a first-run movie in the 3D theater or poolside under the stars on the outdoor movie screen. Infuse color into your cruise with the artworks from our Art Galleryor with the frosted confections of the Cupcake Cupboard. 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 Freedom of the Seas has always been known for – FlowRider® surf simulatorrock climbing wallice-skating rinkRoyal Promenade, cantilevered whirlpoolsmini golf courseH2O Zone water park, and much more. 

Here is a video about Freedom of the Seas and all the amazing things it has to offer.

Pricing

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Pricing

Cruise prices includes the Royal Caribbean Cruise, stateroom, fine dining,
exciting on-board entertainment, all quilting classes, group activities and parties.

Staterooms are as follows:

Interior Stateroom$1,195*
Unobstructed Ocean View Stateroom$1,395*
Unobstructed Oceanview w/ Balcony Stateroom$1,595*
    *Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount. 
     Port charges, taxes & fees of $283.15 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.

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 Port Canaveral, FL.

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 not included in your reservation costs. Royal Caribbean recommends $3.75 per person, per day to the dining room waiter; $5.00 per person, per day to the cabin steward (or $7.25 if you're in a suite); and $2.15 per person, per day to the assistant waiter. Also recommended is $0.75 per person, per day to the headwaiter. Since we are classified as a group on the ship, Stitchin' Heaven Travel is required to pre-pay these gratuities for our entire group.  This is equal to $12 per person per day and will be added to your cruise costs. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs.

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