Quilting at Sea: Our Scandinavia Cruise

This spring, we had the unforgettable experience of combining two passions, travel and quilting-on a quilting cruise around Scandinavia. Imagine sailing through breathtaking fjords, visiting charming Nordic cities, and, in between, gathering with fellow quilters onboard to stitch, learn, and share. It was equal parts adventure and creativity, and one of the most unique trips we’ve ever taken.

Inspiration Everywhere

We started in picturesque Amsterdam

What made this trip so unique was the constant flow of inspiration. It all started in Amsterdam. We were fortunate to visit the wonderful shop that is Petra Prins.

Before boarding the ship, we made a very important detour to Petra Prins Patchwork & Quilting in Amsterdam. For quilters, this shop is nothing short of a treasure trove. The shelves were bursting with fabrics, including Petra’s famous Dutch Heritage collection, along with an inspiring range of patterns, books, and notions.

Wandering through the store felt like stepping into quilting heaven. Every corner offered something new-bold florals, timeless repro prints, and rich color palettes that had us instantly imagining new projects. It was the perfect way to set the creative tone for the cruise ahead, and let’s just say a few fabrics may have found their way into our suitcases.

The Cruise

The cruise itself was a dream. Our ship- the Celebrity Eclipse became both a floating classroom and a cosy quilting retreat. Each day brought something new-workshops, sewing sessions with friends, and plenty of time to explore the sights at each port. The hum of sewing machines mingled with the sound of the sea, and the atmosphere was full of energy, laughter, and fabric inspiration.

We were lucky to be onboard as the sewing machine engineers, making sure everything ran smoothly so quilters could focus on what they love most-stitching! It was a joy to keep the machines humming and see the projects come to life around us. Our Quilters were some of the very first people to use the brand new Generation 2 Bernina sewing machines. The swiss machines performed without a hitch and stitched beautifully.

Our beautiful sewing room with views of the ocean.

Ports of Call: Scandinavian Highlights

Our itinerary included some of the most beautiful and inspiring destinations in Northern Europe:

• Oslo, Norway – The gateway to the fjords, where modern design meets natural beauty.

• Skagen, Denmark – A charming seaside town with golden beaches, artists’ heritage, and endless light.

• Helsinki, Finland – Sleek design, Marimekko prints, and plenty of quilting inspiration.

• Tallinn, Estonia – A hidden gem with medieval streets and a thriving craft culture.

• Copenhagen, Denmark – A vibrant city of canals, bikes, and design inspiration at every corner.

Every stop brought new colors, patterns, and textures that sparked ideas for quilting projects. From the blues of the sea to the pastels of Scandinavian houses, inspiration was everywhere.

Quilting at Sea

The quilting programme onboard was led by none other than Karen Brown of Just Get It Done Quilts, whose teaching style brought clarity, encouragement, and fun to every class. From clever tips and techniques to inspiring project ideas, Karen kept the creativity flowing.

Classes were tailored for all skill levels, ranging from small pieced designs to more advanced techniques. The mix of structured learning and free sewing time was perfect. Between workshops, we’d gather to swap ideas, admire each other’s progress, and, of course, talk all about sewing!

An example of a students work during the cruise.

The New York Beauty Block- The History

Since the 1930s, the name “New York Beauty” has been associated with quilts made from a striking design: spiked quarter circles set into the corners of square or rectangular blocks. The dramatic points and curves give the block its signature boldness, making it instantly recognizable.

Although the name itself didn’t appear until the 20th century, it has since been retroactively applied to earlier quilts made in the same style. That means many pre-1930s quilts with this design are now also called New York Beauties, even though their makers may have known them by a different name or perhaps no formal name at all.

This combination of sharp points, smooth arcs, and bold geometry has made the New York Beauty a classic quilt pattern, admired for both its technical challenge and its visual drama.

About Karen Brown – Just Get It Done Quilts

Our quilting cruise was led by Karen Brown, the creative force behind Just Get It Done Quilts. Known worldwide for her clear, practical tutorials and her approachable teaching style, Karen has built a thriving quilting community through her popular YouTube channel, blog, and workshops.

Her philosophy is all about making quilting accessible: breaking down projects into simple steps, sharing clever time-saving tips, and encouraging quilters to finish what they start. Karen’s mix of humor, expertise, and inspiration made her the perfect leader for this journey, and her classes kept everyone engaged, motivated, and excited to sew.

If you haven’t already discovered her work, you can find Karen online at Just Get It Done Quilts, where she shares free tutorials, quilting challenges, and practical advice for quilters of all levels.

Why a Quilting Cruise?

Travel can be busy, but this cruise struck the perfect balance. We had plenty of sightseeing time, but also the chance to slow down and immerse ourselves in creativity. For quilters, it’s the best of both worlds-exploring new destinations while also returning home with finished projects and new techniques to use.

Final Thoughts

The Scandinavia quilting cruise was more than just a trip-it was an unforgettable blend of travel, creativity, and community. Serving as the onboard sewing machine engineers gave us a front-row seat to the joy of quilting at sea, and learning under Karen Brown made it all the more special. We returned home with not only a full heart, but also stories, friendships, and memories stitched into every seam.

Sew what you love, create without limits.❤️

With love and thanks to Ray & John at RGE Travels for organising such a wonderful trip.

If you would like to join us on our next adventure, visit our Travel Page.