Hemlock Tea

It's been years since I've had a real vacation! I'm trying to plan a getaway sometime in the next year, and I was thinking about a quilting retreat or a quilting cruise. I've done lots of googling and a bit of research, and the following sound fun, although the timing may not be good for me:

Stitchin' Heaven Quilter's Hideout : http://www.stitchinheaven.com/quilters_hideout.asp
Moda Quilting Extravaganza Cruise: http://www.stitchinheaven.com/travel...e_moda2013.asp

I was wondering if anyone's gone on any of the Stitchin' Heaven retreats or cruises, and what they thought, or if anyone knows of other quilting vacations. I'm looking for ones I don't have to travel too far to get to, so retreats in Texas or cruises that leave from Galveston. I'm also having trouble finding "open" retreats- I'm finding a lot of places that offer space for groups and guilds to organize their own retreats, but I want something already planned and that has an "open enrollment" since I'm not in a group.

Thanks for your help and suggestions!

MarLeClair

I have been on many quilt tours along with a quilt cruise. For me, that is the only way to travel. I travel alone and this is safe, interesting and I don't have to worry about a thing. I even went to France on a quilt tour. I travel Heritage Counry Tours ( I hope this not again the rules) and love the whole experience. I usually have to fly somewhere, get myself to the hotel then meet up with my group. I have never had a problem. They always incorporate scenery,history and then of course, quilt shops. In France, we went do a material factory that showed the raw producting coming in, how they color the fabric, etc. We also went to a shop that our bus driver knew about,called them and they opened up just for us. They did screen printing and it certainly was well worth the trip.
I can't say enough about the trips with this company. I first started after I got divorced. I knew I had to venture out on my own if I ever wanted to go anywhere. Saw their ad and gave it a try. I have met so many strong women on these ours. Even though I am alone, I never feel alone. Give it a try with any group. I don't think you will be disappointed.

catmcclure

I haven't been on one of their retreats, but have been to several retreats in AZ and CA. The $295 cost sounds really reasonable. I usually end up spending $400 or so on the retreats (registration and lodging), plus meals.

Hemlock Tea

Thanks for the tip, I'll look into it. I'm trying to avoid airfare, though, saves more money for fabric

Hemlock Tea

I thought it sounded like a bargain, too!

kountrykreation

Thanks for starting this thread... I was having the same thoughts regarding a 'quilting' vacation.

susie-susie-susie

The retreats and cruises offered by Quilting Heaven sound like so much fun. I have a couple of questions--if you travel by yourself, do you have to room with someone else? Usually the prices are for doubles. Also, when you go on a quilting cruise, is all your free time spent in a classroom, quilting? Like so many of you, I don't belong to any groups, and only have a couple of friends who quilt. Thanks for starting this thread, as I have been wondering the same thing.
Sue

harvsstuff

I've never been on a quilt cruise but from the sounds of it I'd sure like to take one and soon.

nhweaver

This is a great thread - I would love to go on a quilting retreat/cruise. Was wondering how do you bring a featherweight on a plane? Or do you ship it before - or does the retreat/cruise have machines. I will be doing investigation, guys - thinking about this just added another thing to my Bucket list (daughter calls this my
B list).

gollytwo

3 or 4 of my quilting friends and I get together for a 7 day week every year - it's our annual quilt retreat. This year we're planning to rent a furnished house thru a realtor in the area we want. We come from different states so seek as close to a mid point as possible.
You don't want to choose an area that has attractions - jacks up the price.
You want nowheresville that has a restuarant for one dinner splurge, a supermarket and, if you're lucky, a quilt shop.