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Tropical Quilting Retreat at Sea

9 Days • November 8-17, 2024

Sail with Gyleen Fitzgerald, Geraldine Wilkins and Latifah Saafir on this tropical getaway!

Quilting Classes

Before filling out your registration form, please read the class descriptions and the daily itinerary so you can best determine how you would like to spend your cruise time. You will be assured of being placed in 3 full-day classes. Class assignments and supply lists will be emailed to you approximately 90 days prior to departure. Classes are open to all levels of ability (unless otherwise stated in the class description).

Saturday, November 9, 2024

9:00AMto 3:30pm Lunch Break from 11:30am to 1:00pm

Chasing Rainbows

Instructor Gyleen Fitzgerald
Modern with a twist! “KNOT” so hard that you will “SPIN”! It’s visually dynamic with fast easy piecing. A wall-hanging you will need (21) or for a lap quilt (42) 2½” x 40″ strips.

Skill Level: Fun for all (perfect for all levels of experience)

Peaceful Portrait

Instructor Geraldine Wilkins
Three Stitching Styles
Discover the serene beauty of portraiture through the art of quilting in our Peaceful Portrait class, where participants will explore three distinctive stitching styles. Quilters will embark on a creative journey to craft a small art piece depicting a tranquil resting face.

Choose from a selection of captivating faces to transfer onto fabric, each offering its own story waiting to be stitched.

Whether you prefer the precision of decorative and free-motion machine stitches or the meditative rhythm of hand stitching, you’ll have the opportunity to express relaxation, rest, and reflection in your artwork.

Join us as we blend artistry with introspection, capturing the essence of serenity through the power of quilting and stitching.

Sewing machines are provided for this class.

Skill Level: Fun for all (perfect for all levels of experience)

Mermaid Tails

Instructor Latifah Saafir
Hand stitch a dynamic clamshell pillow as you learn a fun quilt as you go technique. Learn to piece and quilt your clamshells at the same time as you make this one charm pack pillow front. Not only is this a fun technique to learn it can easily be sized up for larger quilt projects. And as a bonus you will learn the magic pillow facing tutorial to finish up your pillow with pretty finished insides.

There are no sewing machines provided or required for this class.

Skill Level: Fun for all (perfect for all levels of experience)

Sunday, November 10, 2024

9:00am to 3:30pm, Lunch Break from 11:30am to 1:00pm

Stylized Hand Stitching on Garments

Instructor Gyleen Fitzgerald

t’s time to “update or upcycle” an old garment to give it a fun new life. Denim works best or something of similar weight.

Think jeans, jackets, tote bag, placemat or table runner. Oh boy, are you thinking, what do I have that I’m not using but love? You bring the item and I’ll assemble the kit.

There are no sewing machines provided or required for this class.

Skill level: Fun for all (perfect for all levels of experience).

Caribbean Reflections

Instructor Geraldine Wilkins
In this dynamic workshop, beginners will dive into the art of acrylic ruler quilting, mastering the basics while creating mesmerizing straight line designs. Meanwhile, seasoned quilters will uncover invaluable tips and tricks for echo quilting, elevating their quilting to new heights.

With just one ruler and a handful of essential tools, you’ll unlock the secrets to crafting stunning quilting designs. Our canvas? The Caribbean Reflections mini fabric quilt panel, which will serve as both a conversation piece and a cherished memento of your unforgettable sea voyage. Whether you’re a novice eager to explore ruler quilting or an experienced quilter seeking fresh inspiration, this class promises an enriching experience filled with fun techniques and endless possibilities. Join us as we stitch together memories against the backdrop of tropical paradise!

Skill Level: Fun for all (perfect for all levels of experience)

Notorious

Instructor Latifah Saafir
lHalf rectangle triangles make this quilt the star of the show. Master this challenging shape using The HuRTy 1 ruler for both pre-cutting and trimming. This 60” x 60” quilt is a relatively quick sew and some of you will be able to complete it during the cruise!
Skill Level: Fun for all (perfect for all levels of experience)

Saturday, November 16, 2024

9:00am to 3:30pm, Lunch Break from 11:30am to 1:00pm

Pandora

Instructor Gyleen Fitzgerald

Wow is the first word that comes to mind. Graphic is the second word that describes this beauty. The Gems shape gives a folded or 3D effect and you can’t get pointy points with such ease. Give it a go, you will not be disappointed.

Skill Level: Fun for all (perfect for all levels of experience.)

Sea & Sky Strata

Instructor Geraldine Wilkins
Sashiko Watercolor
Set sail on a creative journey that captures the essence of your Caribbean voyage in vibrant hues with our Sea & Sky Strata class! Designed for all skill levels, this class invites cruisers to transform their memories of the sea or sky, captured on their cell phones at sunrise or sunset, into stunning Sashiko watercolor strata.

Using simple yet effective watercolor pencil techniques and the soothing rhythm of Sashiko hand stitching, participants will craft a piece that embodies the beauty and tranquility of the Caribbean. Whether destined for a pillow, a tote bag, or adorning the back of a denim jacket, this versatile creation will serve as a tangible reminder of your unforgettable adventure at sea.

Join us as we blend artistry with the splendor of nature, turning cherished moments into timeless keepsakes that will be treasured for years to come.

There are no sewing machines provided or required for this class.

Skill Level: Fun for all (perfect for all levels of experience)

All Eyez On Me

Instructor Latifah Saafir

Master curved piecing and explore value and color in this vibrant quilt. This classic quilt is made modern through scale and construction and looks great in your favorite fabrics. Made with the Clammy 12” this quilt is both charm pack and layer cake friendly. As a bonus you will get instructions for using 12 circle “blocks” to make a beach mat.

Skill level: Fun for all (perfect for all levels of experience)

Class notes: Holding a quilt seminar on a cruise ship is a unique experience. Sometimes there are space and time challenges that prevent our being able to be “project oriented” and we must concentrate more on process. It is very unlikely that you will have an absolutely finished project at the end of a class. It is helpful if your expectations match these realities. But regardless of how far you are able to progress, our instructors are professionals—some of the best in the quilting world—and we know you will learn many new techniques and have a wonderful experience!