Paula Barnes

As one of two partners in Red Crinoline Quilts, a company specializing in Civil War, vintage and reproduction fabrics and patterns, Paula is the exclusive designer for the company. Her passion for fabric and quilts of the Civil War era 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 nearly 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 Red Crinoline Quilts ", "Exchange Quilts," and others.


Denice Lipscomb

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 Blocks of the Month Programs that honor women throughout history.   The first one was called “Patriots in Petticoats” and honored Revolutionary War women.  The fabric collection came from a quilt that is part of the DAR Collection.  Her second one is called “Women of Courage” and honors women from three centuries of history.   She was privileged to be a part of designing the fabric used in this quilt.  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, her shop dog Nellie, and her anti-social cat Millie.

Jerry Stube

I made my first quilt in 1973 while pregnant with my second daughter. My mother and grandmother both quilted but had not taught me, so I really began from scratch. I wanted a quilt to cover her bassinet, it was awful but it kept her head from rubbing the woven bassinet. My next attempt was a crib quilt for her but I had no one to tell me how large to make it, so I measured the mattress and made it that size. Sunbonnet Sue and Overall Sam with no room to cover the baby, it just lays flat on the mattress. To say I have learned a lot, is an understatement.
I continued to quilt over the next 23 years while moving around the world with my military husband, holding down a career of my own in hospital administration and rearing my two daughters. In May 1996, I was diagnosed  with gastric cancer; I decided that life was just too short not to do the things we really love best. I changed careers and opened The Quilter’s Quarters in November 1996. Within the next 8 months my mother had cancer and my sister died of cancer, so I knew I had made the right decision. I continue to learn and share my love of quilting to everyone with whom I come in contact. My special interest is finding more ways to help in cancer research and assisting local organizations through quilting. We have raised thousands of dollars to this end.
I couldn't ask for a more supportive family, given all the hours it takes to run a business, and I am proud to say my granddaughter, Rowan, already loves quilts. My mama always said, "Get them young and train them right," and it looks like Rowan will be the next quilt designer in the family.
Jerry owns Quilter’s Quarters in Leavenworth, KS where she lives with her newly retired husband, Jack. They have two daughters, Brandy and Shannon and the most beautiful granddaughter in the world, Rowan.

Red Crinoline Quilts is an online quilt store specializing in Civil War reproduction designs from the 1800's. Paula Barnes designed Gettysburg specifically for our cruise. It features brown, indigo, and cream reproduction fabrics from the Civil War era. The striking Bears Paw design is made using Paula's favorite notion and secret weapon: Star Singles. You will love them! This quilt measures about 50" x 50"

Pioneer quilting techniques varied depending on the quilter, the theme and resources available. Many women created quilts before their trip, some quilted on the road and others made quilts once they reached the destination. The main purpose for all the quilts were warmth, resourcefulness of fabric and decoration. Pioneer quilts were most popular in the 1880's. The Pioneer Braid is one of Denice's favorites and you will enjoy learning the techniques to make this quilt. This 74" by 90" quilt looks complicated, but is easy enough for a beginner.

 Jerry's class project, Riverboat, is an array of beautiful and colorful Civil War fabrics featuring the star made using Thangles, the no-way-you-can-mess-them-up paper for making half square triangles. You will love making this quilt because we all love fabric and there will be many different designs in your bag of fabrics. Jerry is a hoot in class, and out of class for that matter so she will keep you laughing all day long

Optional Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack:
This kit will have all the fabrics you will need for each of the three projects. Our incredible Sail 'n Sew fabric packs include all of the fabrics for your projects and they are pre-cut so all you need to do is sit down and sew! 

How can all this get any better? Here's how!

On April 16th, we will make our first stop: 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.

On April 17th, we will visit George Town, 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.

Finally, on April 18th, we are docked in 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.

Guests of Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas® will enjoy a revolutionary marvel of naval engineering. This ship is filled with a rock-climbing wall, a miniature golf course, golf simulators, two Centrums, an ice-skating rink, a basketball court, theme bars and restaurants. Mariner of the Seas also features the Royal Promenade, a bustling boulevard four decks high and the length of two football fields, where you'll find charming shops, cafes, colorful street performers, and lively street fairs.

There are no windows, but it's always dazzlingly lit up and sets the scene for street entertainment and festive Mardi Gras-style parades -- complete with stilt walkers, a swaying inflatable dancer, streamers and confetti, and music from New Orleans, Rio and other cool places.

The Mariner of the Seas also features a Vintages wine bar, Casino Royale, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, British-style pub, 3 swimming pools, 6 whirlpools, and of course a day spa and fitness center!

Where to begin? It can be very hard to relax on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas®, even on sea days, because of the head-spinning array of activities that run from dawn to dusk and beyond! The ship's entertainment staff offers an intriguing blend of options, and everyone, from the most traditional passenger to the completely contemporary traveler, will enjoy something.

During the day, if you don't want to sew, you'll find plenty of activities, such as bingo, dance lessons, horse racing, art auctions, Mr. Sexy Legs contests, rock-climbing wall competitions, bridge play, art and craft workshops and films in the cinema. Poolside, throughout the day, a live band plays a blend of Caribbean and American songs, and parades take over the Promenade's main thoroughfare.

Nighttime sees a similar variety of entertainment options. The gorgeous La Scala Theater is a state-of-the-art show lounge inspired by the legendary one in Milan, Italy. There is an excellent Broadway-style production show with a cast of 16 singers and dancers, and the ice skating show is not to be missed! Why not try your luck in the Las Vegas-style casino, with slot machines, dice games, and card tables.

Spa and Fitness:
There is everything under the sun here. You can practice your figure eights in the ice skating rink; go in-line skating on the roller blade track; play basketball, volleyball or paddle ball in the full-length sports court; climb to 200 feet over the sea in the rock-climbing wall (if you've never tried it, no worries -- they give you a lesson before you set off); and practice your golf swings at miniature golf and a golf simulator. The ship also has three pools, six whirlpools and a jogging track (five times around equals a mile). One interesting note: One of the pools and a whirlpool have hydraulic lifts for the disabled.

The 15,000-plus-square-foot, Steiner-operated Ship Shape Center and Day Spa has 14 massage and treatment rooms; a relaxation area with sea views; full-service beauty salon; oceanview workout area with stereo and TV monitors; 66 Reebok machines including 20 treadmills; free weights; and an aerobics area with wood-suspended floor, mirrored wall, two large-screen TV monitors and wrap-around windows. One of the spa's nicest features is its round hydrotherapy pool.

Dining:
The onboard dining venues cater to any craving. Going hungry is not an option. To make your mouth water, here are just a small few of the options available onboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas®!

The elegant main dining room offers fantastic food and a supremely attentive wait staff. With world-class décor, heavenly entrees, delectable desserts and dining options to suit a range of vacationing needs, this is fine dining that everyone can enjoy.

For a delicious Italian meal in an intimate setting be sure to check out Portofino Italian Restaurant.  From the first bite of the antipasto to the last spoonful of tiramisu, dining in the elegant atmosphere of Portofino is an evening to remember. Sample some of the chef's new creations or have one of your favorites prepared the classic way. You won't be disappointed.

Craving good old-fashioned burgers and fries?  Not a problem.  At Johnny Rockets® '50s-style restaurant you'll find onboard everything you'd expect from the shoreside restaurant - authentic 1950s décor, a menu filled with all-American favorites and, of course, friendly service.  Johnny Rockets is great casual dining that all will enjoy.

Need a quick bite or a late-night snack? The Café Promenade, a casual sidewalk café on the Royal Promenade, features sandwiches, pizza, pastries and popular brands like Seattle's Best Coffee®! Open day and night, it's a great dining option for everything from a quick breakfast to a late-night snack.

The Windjammer Café is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before hitting the pool or enjoy a casual dinner to top off a day of adventure. Open almost around the clock, it offers great food, spectacular views and an attentive wait staff, all in a casual atmosphere. Choose from a wide variety of food and a seemingly never-ending buffet for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the day. Serving stations offer salads, soups, sandwiches and burgers, meat-carving and hot entrées. And for your sweet tooth, choose from a multitude of cookies, cakes and frozen yogurt.

General 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.

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. We recommend $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.  Once the cruise is complete we will charge your  fees to your credit card unless you tell us you prefer to take care of these charges with check/cash. A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to bar tabs.