These needlework classes are exclusive events for Stitchers’ Escapes. You must already be registered for the 2023 Escape to the British Isles cruise to participate.
Payment
We will send an invoice to you within 10 days of receiving your registration. A deposit equal to half your total will be due within 30 days. The balance will be due within 60 days. Your space is secure once we receive payment in full from you.
Choose carefully. If you cancel, we issue refunds only if the class is at full capacity and we fill your spot.
General Information
Please read the class details carefully. To avoid customs challenges, class kits will be mailed to you 6-8 weeks prior to the cruise. Make sure you bring them with you on the cruise! We will provide more details in a cruise newsletter closer to the time.
Classes do not have a minimum enrollment.
We are currently finalizing the schedule, and will add it to this page when it is available.
Registration
Registration will open on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Due to limited class space, you will rank your choices. For registrations received through January 20, the Stitchers’ Escapes Crew will first assign you to your highest choice available. Once everyone is assigned to at least one class, we will begin assigning you to your additional choices.
If you will be paying for yourself and your traveling companion(s), you will be able to submit a registration form for everyone. If you need to submit a registration for someone who will pay for themselves, you will need to submit an individual form for each person. The Stitchers’ Escapes Crew will be unable to split invoices for multiple people on the same registration form.
Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett
Lecture: Exploring Mary Garton’s 1848 Sampler
Price varies (see below)
Class Length: 1 hour, 45 minutes
A look into the times, motifs and mores that make up this charming English sampler. Participants will receive an exclusive gift created especially for this British Isles Cruise.
Lecture only $12
Lecture and chart $32
Lecture and complete kit with linen fabric and cotton floss $97
Lecture and complete kit with linen fabric and silk floss $129
A Stitchers’ Journal
$67
Class Length: 2 hours
This class is suitable for stitchers of all levels
This 9” x 6” spiral bound journal includes small charts, vintage images, and seagoing vessels of yesteryear. The stitched cover incorporates motifs inspired by Mary Garton’s sampler.
Project Details
Project Size: 8” x 5”
Stitched on 14-ct Antique Brown perforated paper
Your kit includes:
- 14-ct Antique Brown perforated paper
- DMC floss
- Bound journal
- Charted design
- Ephemera to decorate journal
Bring to class:
- Scissors suitable to cut paper
- Needlework scissors
- Permanent Glue Runner or Glue Stick
- Cordless task light and magnification as needed
Sail Away Pin Drum
$72
Class Length: 3 hours
This class is suitable for stitchers of all levels
There will be some optional pre-work
Whether you’re an expert at creating pin drums or making one for the first time, you’ll enjoy constructing this pin keep commemorating our voyage. It incorporates the ship from Mary Garton’s sampler as well as a verse and opportunity for personalization.
Project Details
Project Size: Approximately 10”W x 6”H
Fabric: 32-ct Vintage Mocha linen, stitched “over two”
Your kit includes:
- 32-ct Vintage Mocha linen
- DMC floss
- Charted design
- Drum finishing materials
Bring to class:
- Scissors suitable to cut paper
- Needlework scissors
- Ecru sewing thread
- Cordless task light and magnification as needed
A Sailor’s Valentine
$120
Class Length: 2 hours
This class is suitable for stitchers and non-stitchers alike
Sailors’ Valentines took many forms, including lavishly decorated heart-shaped cushions. These tokens of affection were especially popular in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. As sailors traveled from their home shores for world travel or in service of their country, they often made or purchased mementos of their travels for loved ones back home. Although many were purchased, some were hand made by the sailors themselves and brought home for sweethearts, sisters or mothers. The cushions included common messages like, “Forget Me Not” and the “valentines” were embellished with beads, sequins, shells, stitches, and painted, woven or printed labels. In this class, we’ll have a chance to look at a variety of these antiques and to recreate a heart-shaped cushion in the fashion of the one pictured here. Complete kit with exclusive woven labels, beads, trim and more, and instructions. Stuffing is not included.
Jean Farish
English Garden Sampler Stocking Finishing Class
$70
Class Length: 3 hours
The finishing part of this class is suitable for stitchers of all levels, but the stitched project is only available on linen
Make a keepsake ornament reminiscent of an English Garden for a special someone! You’ll stitch the design as pre-cruise “homework” and be ready to assemble the stocking ornament in class. This finishing method includes an optional pocket on the back to hold a gift card, candy cane, or cash! Please note that the finishing will be done with good quality glue and archival quality cardboard. Anyone who prefers to lace rather than glue is welcome to take this class but be aware that lacing techniques will not be covered in the instructions.
Project Details
Project Size: Stitched area 3.5″ x 5″
Fabric: 30-count Legacy Linen, stitched “over two”
Your class kit includes:
- 30-count Legacy Linen
- Cosmo floss
- Glue
- Acid-free cardboard
- Coordinating backing fabric
- Optional batting
- Pre-made twisted cord
- Metallic for the hanger
Also bring to class:
- Stitched design (see note) and all finishing materials
- Needlework scissors
- Cordless task light and magnification as needed
Important Note
The stitching materials kit will include linen, needles, chart, Cosmo floss, and prepping directions. Plan to stitch and prep your design and bring your completed work with you. Optional gift cards and other treats to be added to the pocket are not included.
Jamie Fraser’s Tartan
$78
Class Length: Total class time will be 3 hours, split between two sea days. Chottie’s Plaid is a two-step process so by dividing the instruction time, you will be able to complete the first step before learning the second.
This class is suitable for stitchers of all levels
Learn the amazing technique called Chottie’s Plaid to create the Fraser tartan worn oh-so-well by Jamie in the Outlander series. This technique is reversible which makes it perfect for a coaster. Once mastered, you will know how to stitch the newly popular “birthday plaid” trend to make personalized gifts. The completed stitchery can then be finished as a coaster, ornament, box top, or any other way you love to make smalls.
Project Details
Project Size: 4” x 4”
Canvas: 13-ct mono, cut 8” x 8”
Your kit includes:
- Unpainted canvas
- Caron Collection Watercolours
- Needle
- Stitch diagrams
Also bring to class:
- Needlework scissors
- Cordless task light and magnification as needed
- Stretcher Bars with canvas mounted; optional (this project can effectively be stitched in hand)
2024 British Isles Souvenir Fob
$63
Class Length:
The finishing part of this class is suitable for stitchers of all levels, but the stitched project is only available on linen
Stitch a pretty and practical scissor fob or dainty ornament while learning the linen finishing stitch! This design features the flowers associated with our travels during this cruise: Scotland’s thistle, Ireland’s clover, England’s rose, and the daffodil for Wales. You’ll stitch the design as pre-cruise “homework” and be ready to assemble your fob in class.
Project Details
Project Size: 4” x 4”
Fabric: 30-count Legacy Linen (stitched over two)
Your kit includes:
- Linen
- Cosmo Floss
- Pre-made twisted cord
- Needle
- Assembly diagrams
Also bring to class:
- All finishing materials sent to you
- Completed stitchery
- Needlework scissors
- Cordless task light and magnification as needed
Class Schedule at a Glance
Wednesday, June 12
| 1:00pm-4:00pm | 2024 British Isles Souvenir Fob with Jean Farish |
| 1:00pm-4:00pm | Sail Away Pin Drum with Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett |
Saturday, June 15
| 9:00am-12:00pm | English Garden Sampler Stocking with Jean Farish |
| 1:00pm-2:45pm | Mary Garton Lecture with Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett |
| 3:00pm-4:30pm | Fraser Tartan Plaid Part 1 with Jean Farish (Continues 6/20 from 11:30am-1:00pm) |
Thursday, June 20
| 9:00am-11:00am | A Sailor’s Valentine with Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett |
| 11:30am-1:00pm | Fraser Tartan Plaid Part 2 with Jean Farish |
| 2:00pm-4:00pm | A Stitcher’s Journal with Vickie LoPiccolo Jennett |