These needlework classes are exclusive events for Stitchers’ Escapes. You must already be registered for the 2025 Escape to Alaska cruise to participate.
General Information
Please read the class details carefully. 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. For all classes (except “Build Your Own Sampler”) you will need to bring your own needlework scissors, as well as task lighting and/or magnification if you need them. We require all lighting brought to class to be cordless and will provide more details in a future newsletter.
Classes do not have a minimum enrollment, but they do have a maximum. We are already using our allotted conference space to its fullest capacity, so we are not able to add additional sessions for classes. We will keep a waiting list in the event of a cancellation.
Due to limited class space, you will rank your choices. For registrations received through February 21, 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.
Registration
You will register for classes and excursions at the same time. Excursion details can be found here.
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.
Registration will open on Saturday, February 8 at approximately 11am Eastern time. At that time, we will email a link to the registration form and post it in the cruise Facebook group. This page will also be updated with the link.
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.
Class Schedule
We will have classes on 4 of our cruise days. On our two full sea days, September 8 and 13, class hours will be 9am-4pm. Full day classes will have a 1-hour break for lunch. We also have two days where our port arrival time is not until the afternoon, so we’ll offer classes in the morning on those days.
Monday, September 8 – Sea Day
| Time | Class | Teacher |
| 9am-4pm | Frosty Friend Needlebook | Karen Kirk |
| 9am-12pm | Pacific Northwest Tunic (part 1 of 4) | Toni Gerdes |
| 1pm-4pm | Alaska Statehood Coaster (part 1 of 2) | Jean Farish |
Tuesday, September 9 – Icy Strait Point
We are scheduled to arrive in Icy Strait Point at 1:30pm.
| Time | Class | Teacher |
| 9am-12pm | Pacific Northwest Tunic (part 2 of 4) | Toni Gerdes |
| 9am-12pm | Lady Elizabeth’s Biscornu | Jean Farish |
Friday, September 12 – Ketchikan
We are scheduled to arrive in Ketchikan at 2:00pm.
| Time | Class | Teacher |
| 9am-12pm | Pacific Northwest Tunic (part 3 of 4) | Toni Gerdes |
| 9am-12pm | Pulled Thread Sampler | Jean Farish |
Saturday, September 13 – Sea Day
| Time | Class | Teacher |
| 9am-4pm | Sampler | Bren Kirk |
| 9am-12pm | Pacific Northwest Tunic (part 4 of 4) | Toni Gerdes |
| 1pm-4pm | Alaska Statehood Coaster (part 2 of 2) | Jean Farish |
Class Details
Frosty Friend Needlebook
$80
Teacher: Karen Kirk
Maximum: 24
Note: This is a finishing class requiring pre-work; your kit will be sent to you prior to the cruise
Join Karen to make a delightful, creatively constructed needlebook with an Alaskan theme. Your kit will include the chart, hand dyed Fox & Rabbit fabric (your choice of 32-count linen or 16-count Aida), floss, cardboard templates, trims, wool felt, ribbon, wadding, and fabric for the inside and back cover. This is a quick, fun stitch with full crosses and a little backstitch. The finished size of the oval-shaped needlebook is approximately 6” x 4.”
Bonus! Karen is offering a sampler to accompany the needlebook! You will have the opportunity to pre-order the chart or the full kit. Details to come!
Pacific Northwest Tunic
$240
Teacher: Toni Gerdes
Maximum: 24
Note: This is a 4-part class, held from 9am-12pm on each class day
The Pacific Northwest’s indigenous people were some of America’s earliest artists. Toni’s rendition of a Pacific Northwest Tunic demonstrates that artistry. Using motifs from the Haida, Tlingit, Tinne, & Slavey peoples adds authenticity to the design. From the intricate stitching to the delicate finishing with the colorful wrapped fringe, you will be creating your own Pacific Northwest masterpiece. Stitching with silks, such as Splendor & Planet Earth for the sheen, wools, and other threads combined with stimulating stitches, reinvents this American work of art. The faux fur collar and cuffs along with a bit of real Abalone shell add more authenticity. The canvas embroidery design, on 18-count sandstone mono canvas, finishes to approximately 8” x 10”.
This intermediate-level class is appropriate for those who love needlepoint and/or counted cross stitch projects. If you are accustomed to stitching on linen, even weave, or canvas and can read stitch diagrams, this class is for you.
Alaska Statehood Coaster
$75
Teacher: Jean Farish
Maximum: 24
Note: This is a 2-part class. Students will complete the first half of the stitching between the sessions. Part one will be held on 9/8 and part two will be held on 9/13
Learn the intriguing Chottie’s Plaid technique to celebrate Alaska’s statehood on January 3, 1959. This reversible technique makes it perfect for a coaster to show off both sides of your work. Jean chose hand-painted Watercolours from Caron Collection to represent Alaska’s breath-taking scenery. Your class kit will include the materials and instructions for fully finishing your project. Once mastered, you will know how to stitch the 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.
Lady Elizabeth’s Biscornu
$65
Teacher: Jean Farish
Maximum: 24
Note: This is a finishing class requiring pre-work; your kit will be mailed to you prior to the cruise
Did you know that biscornu means bizarre or odd in the French language? It’s a good name for this oddly shaped pin cushion that takes two square shapes and sets them on an odd angle . . and voilà . . . a beautiful accessory to add to your sewing box! This is a finishing class requiring pre-work. The kits will include Cosmo floss, beads, all finishing materials, and your choice of Aida or linen.
Pulled Thread Sampler
$65
Teacher: Jean Farish
Maximum: 24
Learn three amazing pulled thread stitches … amazing because they appear far more complicated than they are to do. With clear instructions and diagrams, you will easily master these introductory stitches. Your kit will include overdyed floss, pearl cotton, and linen. Finished size is 4” x 6”.
Build Your Own Sampler
$98
Teacher: Bren Kirk
Maximum: 24
Bren will take you on an exploration of sampler history and guide you as you create your own personal sampler. Your class kit will include a fat quarter of Fox & Rabbit hand-dyed fabric in your choice of either 36-count linen or 18-count Aida, a booklet of antique reproduction and original sampler motifs (produced by Fox & Rabbit), and graph paper.
Students need to bring:
- coloured pencils
- scissors suitable for paper (per Celebrity’s requirements, scissors must have blades less than 4 inches long)
- paper glue (preferably a glue stick)