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2019 Civil War Quilting Voyage
Join Stitchin' Heaven and Friends on a 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise! Cruise and learn from three quilting experts: Paula Barnes, Pam Buda, and Connie Tesene!
April 7 - 14, 2019
Galveston - Cozumel - Grand Cayman - Jamaica
Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas Cruise Ship
Overview
Overview
Dear Friends,
Every year since we have been offering cruises we have offered one themed to quilts made from Civil War reproduction fabric taught by teachers who are knowledgeable of the Civil War era as it pertains to quilting. I am delighted to offer three incredible teachers for our 2019 Voyage. Each of these teachers have traveled with us before so you may know them from our cruises or perhaps you know they from fabric they design or patterns and books they write. They are all really amazing women, teachers, quilt designers, and friends. I sincerely hope you can join us on the educational and enjoyable cruise.
- 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
Instructors
Paula Barnes
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.
Pam Buda
If it is true what they say..."Do something you love and you'll never work a day in your life", then i go to play, not to work. Early in my career, i designed and patterend original soft cloth dolls, but now i devoted my trime to designing quilts and quilt fabric for Marcus Brothers. I started me company, Heartspun Quilts in 2004, featuring traditional blocks and quils. I have patterns for quilts large and small, with some using pre-cuts, as well as Block of the Month programs.
I joined the Marcus Brothers Fabrics family as a licensed designer in 2010, and have been designing fabric for them ever since. I'm presently working on new quilt patterns, fabric lines and writing my forst book for Martinglae Publishing company. I thoroughly enjoy traveling, giving lectures and workshops to guilds, quilt shops, and on quilting cruises all over the United States.
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
Projects
Paula Barnes
Hanover Stars
Paula Barnes has designed another amazing quilt featuring 1800s reproduction fabrics. Hanover Stars is perfect to showcase a whole rainbow of 1800s prints.
The finished size of this project will be 65" x 80"
NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown
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Pam Buda
Plantation Stars
Who knew that two simple blocks can work together to make such a spectacular design? Stars abound large and small in a dance around the quilt center making your eyes dance. Both size stars are constructed in the same way. The block arrangement creates a great secondary pattern with the small stars forming a circular pattern around the large stars. The open space calls out for terrific quilting and the combination creates just a wonderful quilt!.
The finished size of this project will be 72" x 81"
NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown
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Connie Tesene
Best Of All
In this scrappy quilt called Best Of All designed by Connie Tesene every block is different. No need to assign a color family to a particular pattern piece. The magic of a scrap quilt using repeated blocks is that with the sewing of every block there are numerous opportunities to "change things up". Six different fabrics were used in each block, allowing for many opportunities to showcase your individual style of color placement and fabric choices. Let's make some magic!
The finished size of this project will be 58" x 58"
NOTE: Fabrics in our Sail 'n Sew kits will be similar but not exactly as shown
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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 $450.00 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.
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: Hanover Stars, Plantation Stars, Best Of All.
A complete supply list will be sent to you 90 days prior to departure.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Galveston, Texas
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 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 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 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 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
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.
Here is a video about Liberty of the Seas and all the amazing things it has to offer.
Learn more about this amazing ship here!
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Pricing
Pricing
Stateroom's are as follows:
| Room Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 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 $284.92 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
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