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Civil War Quilting Voyage

Join Stitchin' Heaven and Friends on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise! Cruise and learn from three quilting experts: Paula Barnes, Denice Lipscomb, & Connie Tesene!

January 22 - 29, 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."

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. We love this iron and you will too! Learn more about 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: Paula Barnes, Connie Tesene, and Denice Lipscomb!

We look forward to our next adventure together with you!

Overview Image

Instructors

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Instructors

Paula Barnes www.redcrinolinequilts.com

Paula Barnes www.redcrinolinequilts.com

Paula is one of the owners of Red Crinoline Quilts, formerly Bonnie Blue Quilts, which specializes in vintage and reproduction fabrics and patterns. Paula is the exclusive designer for the company. Her passion for fabric and quilts of the past inspires beautiful reproduction quilts, which incorporates today's simplified quilt making tools and techniques.

Using antique quilts as her inspiration, Paula designs traditional timeless quilts. Her designs are reproductions of actual antique quilts or are inspired by them. Paula designs reproduction fabrics with Marcus Brothers.

Paula has over 20 years of teaching experience in Dallas and Houston quilt shops, and enjoys numerous distinctions and guild affiliations throughout the state of Texas. Paula's workshop and lectures include "Designing a Quilting Studio", "History of the Quilts from Bonnie Blue Quilts ", "Exchange Quilts," and others.

Denice Lipscomb www.commonthreadsquilting.com

Denice Lipscomb www.commonthreadsquilting.com

Denice has been quilting for over 20 years and is the owner of Common Threads Quilting in Waxahachie, Texas.   She often says that she was born in the wrong century (except for the luxuries of air conditioning and indoor plumbing) and Common Threads reflects her love of history with its emphasis on reproduction fabrics.  She has a collection of antique quilts and uses these as part of the inspiration for her patterns.  She also uses her knowledge of antique fabric to assist her customers in dating their family heirlooms.  

Denice enjoys the challenge of designing quilts and has partnered with Windham Fabrics to present a number of Block of the Month Programs that honor women throughout history. "Patriots In Petticoats" honored Revolutionary War heroines. "Women of Courage" jumped through many different centuries to honor women who showed incredible bravery in their lives. "First Ladies" honored First Ladies of the United States. "Secrets & Shadows" detailed the lives of WWI and WWII female spies. Her current programs, "The Storytellers" shares biographies of female authors, and "The Golden Age" is all about the beautiful women from the golden age of Hollywood. She has also designed several other Block of the Month programs that are exclusive to Common Threads.

Denice lives in Waxahachie with her husband Kirk. 

Connie Tesene www.country-threads-chicken-scratch.com

Connie Tesene www.country-threads-chicken-scratch.com

In 1983 Connie and her friend Mary started Country Threads, Inc. located in Garner, Iowa. Although it began as a small quilt-pattern company, it soon expanded into a retail quilt shop on Mary's farm. Connie and Mary have published over 800 patterns and more than 20 books. Eventhough the business has expanded over the past 30 years, the farm is still home to fancy chickens, geese, goats, dogs, and cats. Visitors enjoy the interaction with the animals and come to know them on a personal basis through the Goat Gazette newsletter.

Connie lives in Garner with her husband, Roy, two cats, and Lucy, her yellow lab. She raised her three boys in Garner which has 3,000 people in it. Now, her kids and grandkids come to visit and are amazed at the freedoms small-town life can bring. Connie has always loved to garden and several years ago she participated in the Master Gardener program. Her 100 year old home is surrounded by huge shade trees, so she has planted dozens and dozens of hosta varieties. While Country Threads closed for business in 2015, Connie still sews every day and loves it! Her sewing room is located above her three-stall garage and is full of fabric in old cuboards. Connie says, "We were blessed at Country Threads not only with wonderful fabric, but with great friends, customers, employees, animals, and plants!" 

Projects

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Projects

Paula Barnes: Crossroads

Paula Barnes: Crossroads

With the release of PAULA BARNES BASICS and BACKGROUNDS, Marcus Brothers introduces its first collection designed by noted reproduction quilt specialist Paula Barnes.  She has now created the perfect palette to accompany all of the reproduction fabrics quilters love to use. We are always excited by designs by Paula and Crossroads does not disappoint. This quilt is a unique use of the traditional 9-patch block. Paula will show you lots of tips and tricks to make your piecing easier. 

It measures approximately 66" x 83" and it is an easy to piece quilt that looks great with a beautiful border.  Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kit for this project will be similar but not exact. Pattern required if you plan to bring your own fabric. You can purchase the Crossroads quilt pattern here.

Denice Lipscomb: Journey's End

Denice Lipscomb: Journey's End

Journey's End is an original design from Denice that we just fell in love with. Denice always knows how to pull together a project and this one was inspired by an antique quilt she owns and will bring to show you during class. It's dedicated to her third great-grandfather who ended his journey at the Battle of Chickamauga. 

The finished size measures 79" X 79" and is made up of 9 inch scrappy finished blocks. We will be using lots of our favorite reproduction fabrics in this quilt. Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kit for this project will be similar but not exact. Pattern required if you plan to bring your own fabric.You can purchase the Journey's End quilt pattern here.

Connie Tesene: Quest for Freedom

Connie Tesene: Quest for Freedom

Freedom - it's what the Civil War was fought for. Some types of freedom are fundamental, while others are nonessential but certainly nice - such as freedom from stress which is what we will enjoy during Connie's class. Quest for Freedom is a beautiful quilt and is one of Connie's favorites. It is featured in the "Civil War Remembered" book and uses the reproduction fabrics we all love and adore. We will be enjoying the simple Nine Patch quilt, with blocks and setting squares that go together easily.

The quilt measures 50" x 58" which is a size that might just be able to be finished during our cruise. Book is recommended for class but not required. If you would like the book, you canpurchase the Civil War Remembered book here. Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kit for this project will be similar but not exact.

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: Crossroads Quilt PatternJourney's End Quilt PatternCivil War Remembered Book. 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. 

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 Port Canaveral, Florida.

 

 

Day

Port

Arrive

Depart

Day 1

Orlando (Port Canaveral), FL

 

5:00 PM

Day 2

Nassau, Bahamas

8:30 AM

3:00 PM

Day 3

Cruising

 

 

Day 4

Charlotte Amelia, St. Thomas

11:00 AM

7:00 PM

Day 5

Philipsburg, St. Marteen

8:00 AM

5:00 PM

Day 6

Cruising

 

 

Day 7

Cruising

 

 

Day 8

Orlando (Port Canaveral), FL

6:00 AM

 

The Ship

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The Ship

Oasis of the Seas



Experience the ship that revolutionized cruising, Oasis of the Seas®— its groundbreaking design introduced seven distinct neighborhoods built for ultimate enjoyment. Hop on a classic carousel on the Boardwalk®, then watch acrobats splash down in the AquaTheater, the first amphitheater at sea. Let imaginations soar in the Youth Zone—the largest kids' area at sea—or at the Pool & Sports Zone, where you'll find FlowRider® surf simulators and zip line views. Unwind with a stroll in Central Park®—a meandering garden lined with shops and fine restaurants—or melt away stress at VitalitySM Spa. Jazz up your evening with Tony Award®-winning Broadway hit CATS, or hit the Royal Promenade for memorable moments with DreamWorks Experience characters and duty-free shopping including Kate Spade. Join us onboard the ship that changed cruising – a world where innovation rules.

Here is a video about the Oasis Class ships and all the amazing things they have to offer.

Pricing

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Pricing

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

     Stateroom's are as follows:

     Interior Stateroom$1,199*
     Oceanview Stateroom$1,399*
     Oceanview w/Balcony Stateroom$1,599*

     *Non-sewing guests will receive a $250 discount. 
     Port charges, taxes & fees of $336.59 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 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

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, 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.

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