We begin our seven-night Alaska Sawyer Glacier Cruise on June 1, 2012, out of Seattle, Washington. While you’re in Seattle, why not get a taste of the local flavor?  Thanks to the fish-abundant waters, Seattle offers fabulous seafood restaurants ranging from fine-dining to casual eating. There's also a great selection of brew pubs, and of course, coffee shops. With lattes and cappuccinos on just about every street corner, Seattle's easygoing attitude seems to be fueled by caffeine.

On June 3rd, we will cruise through the breathtaking Alaska Inside Passage.  Millions of years ago, southbound glaciers carved out the Inside Passage, leaving majestic fjords, islands and bays in their wake. Today, the spectacular views will leave a lasting impression on you. From the lush greenery of Tongass National Forest - the world's largest and northernmost temperate coastal rainforest - to the brilliant blue glaciers, you'll see jaw-dropping beauty everywhere you look. 

Our first port stop will be Juneau, Alaska.  Juneau, the capital of Alaska, was founded during a gold rush in 1880. Today, the former gold-mining town counts among its riches some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery.  When you're in Juneau, you shouldn't miss the amazing glacial landscape. The best view available is from the seat of a helicopter (a shore excursion), where you can watch for bear, mountain goats, and moose. Then, once you've landed, take a once-in-a-lifetime dogsled ride.  Flying not your thing, then be sure to explore Juneau on foot. With more trails than roads, Juneau features world-class hiking - through glacial waterfalls and the largest temperate rain forest in the state.  And after all that exploring, don't miss the true taste of Alaska at an authentic Alaskan Salmon Bake with all the trimmings. You'll taste some of the freshest, most delicious salmon in the world.

Our next stop is Skagway, Alaska, where you will enjoy experiencing one of Alaska's most breathtaking valleys while horseback-riding through historic Dyea.  Or, cruise to a remote beach at Glacier Point, then get aboard a 31-foot canoe and explore spectacular icebergs.  Or how about experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design and blow your own glass art in the Last Frontier - complete with real gold in your finished piece. You will also enjoy the unforgettable journey aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World" and travel 20 miles from tidewater to the summit of the White Pass - a 2,865 foot elevation. Ride in vintage rail cars as you retrace the original route to the White Pass summit. This fully narrated tour features panoramas of mountains, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites.

On June 5th, we will cruise through Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska. Nestled between 3,000-foot high granite walls, the narrow, twisting slice of ocean called Tracy Arm Fjord weaves through the Tongass National Forest for roughly 35 miles. The shoreline is spotted with waterfalls created by melting snowcaps and trees sprouting at odd angles from rocky outcroppings. You will have ample time to admire the landscape.   Perhaps you will catch sight of a few native animals as you cruise through this port.  The glaciers are home to black and brown bears, wolves, deer and moose. Also watch for seals and whales in the fjord's icy waters, as well as bald eagles appearing overhead.

Finally, enjoy Victoria, British Columbia.  Located on the southern tip on the island of Vancouver in British Columbia, the city of Victoria is probably best known for its mild climate and active outdoor lifestyle. (In fact, the city has been named the "fittest city" in Canada more than once.) As the capital of British Columbia, the city is very tourist-friendly. Among the many attractions are the world-famous Butchart Gardens, and the very lush and exotic Butterfly Gardens.  Victoria is also a great culinary hotspot. In addition to the abundance of fresh seafood, its mild climate lends itself to a variety of locally grown produce. For a complete culinary experience, be sure to try a glass of wine from one of Victoria's award-winning wineries.  And last but not least, enjoy sightseeing and shopping through historic Chinatown and Antique Row.

With dramatic walls of glass and a retractable canopy, Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas® has already embarked on the course other cruise ships will someday follow. When you're not sewing you will be enjoying the magnificent ocean views, relaxing in the soothing Day Spa, swimming in one of the two pools, taking a much-needed whirlpool, feasting a delicious gourmet meals, or catching up with friends over your favorite drink in one of eight different lounges.

Dana Goyer
Dana can't remember NOT quilting!  Her quilting legacy extends for seven generations (and she has the physical quilts from each generation!).  She loves to share her quilting knowledge and tips with all of her students.

When she is not teaching quilting classes, Dana is machine quilting on her longarm machine.  She has had her longarm business for nine years and has won many awards and ribbons for her machine quilting.  Besides longarm quilting and teaching quilting classes, she also enjoys being a hostess at the Stitchin Heaven Quilter's Hideout Retreat that is
held two times each year.  Dana enjoys herself and makes sure her classes are great fun!


Debbie Maddy
Debbie started quilting in 1982 and teaching in 1993. Her greatest satisfaction comes from introducing new people to the art of quilting. She designs patterns for quilts that look difficult to make but are really easy.

In 2002, she started her business "Calico Carriage Quilt Designs" and began presenting lectures and workshops for quilt guilds and shops. In 2005, she was invited to appear on "Simply Quilts" with Alex Anderson. Her episode was "Shining Star."

She specializes in traditional-style quilt designs that are made with her easy, accurate No Diamonds/No "Y" Seams technique! She has self published twenty seven patterns and six books. Find out what's new with Debbie at www.calicocarriage.com .

Schley Brandt
Schley Sisson Brandt has a degree in Education from Bucknell University.  She has been quilting, teaching and lecturing throughout the United States for more than 25 years.  Named Professional Quilt Teacher of the Year by Professional Quilter Magazine in 2002, she is a former Plano, Texas quilt shop co-owner, and worked with Four Corners Designs as a quilt pattern tester and quilter.  With her colleagues she worked with the late Sharon Newman producing Twenties Treasures published by Four Corners.   She is the founder of the Quilt Guild of the Southern Crescent in Fayetteville, Georgia and is active in her local guild in the Chicago suburbs.  She worked as an education and product consultant for Brewer Quilting and Sewing Supplies, a subsidiary of Bernina. She currently teaches quilting locally at Pieceful Heart Fabrics in Lisle, IL.  

Schley has four grown children two of whom also sew and quilt.  She and her husband Ralph live in West Chicago, IL.   When she isn’t quilting, Schley works as a Destination Services Consultant (DSC) for three relocation companies assisting international executives and their families move to the Chicago area.  She also trains DSCs worldwide to perform these services.  This is her first cruise! 

Dana's Project: "Gumballs" Gumballs is one of our Stitchin' Heaven Original Favorites!  This quilt measures about 60" x 72" and is actually made with 30 of the same blocks.  The blocks are made and then rotated to achieve this very complex result.  Gumballs come in all sorts of flavors. Click here to see them all and choose your favorite!  When you order your Sail 'n Sew fabric pack please put in the comments area your flavor choice so we will know which one you want.  Warning:  Gumballs are addicting!.

Debbie's Project: Stella Stella is a fun lap quilt to make with No Diamonds and No "Y" seams. There is a central star surrounded by partial stars. You will love this fun and rewarding technique making diamonds that are easy and without stress.

Schley's Project: Diamond Dust Dazzle yourself with these sparkling diamonds made from stripsets.  Just sew together 2 1/2" strips of light and dark fabrics, cut mirror-image units, and join four together to complete the blocks. This beautiful scrappy quilt shines with any fabric collection, especially batiks.

Optional Sail 'n Sew Fabric Pack:

Get your fabric pack for the Alaska Quilting Adventure 2012! This Fabric Pack will include all the fabrics needed for all three cruise classes. Please note your preference for Gumballs choice in comments. A complete supply list will be sent to you 90 days prior to departure. Sail ’n Sew Fabric Packs will be billed approximately 90 days prior to sailing.

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!

$990*

$1,190*

$1,890*