PHONE1800 630 343
We will match people in twin-share rooms when available, saving you the single supplement. You won’t be left alone – Travelrite will be looking after you and there will be sightseeing excursions or classes every day.
Within two years of discovering patchwork, Michelle was working for an Australian distributor of American patchwork cottons, as a sample maker. This allowed her to work from home, around the responsibilities of her two small children. It also meant that she was exposed to many styles of fabrics, and stepped up to the challenge of designing quilts in all genres. It was during this time that her work was noticed by magazine editors. She was among the contributors included in the first edition of Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazine. Since that date she has been published consistently in a wide variety of Australian magazines and written three books. Michelle writes a permanent column in Quilters Companion, Road Test, where she puts different products through their paces. Michelle has presented 9 DVD’s for Quilters Companion, on a variety of techniques and subjects. Michelle spreads her patchwork and quilting knowledge by teaching. Her quilts have received numerous awards at the NSW Quilter’s Guild Quilt Shows. Since 2008 Michelle has escorted Australian quilters overseas on patchwork tours to America, Canada, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore and Europe for Travelrite International and Quilters Companion. In 2009 Michelle designed her first fabric range. Called Suzani, it was a funky range of raspberries, aquas, mochas and zesty limes. The designs were hand drawn by Michelle and printed to her specific colours. Michelle followed up in 2010 with Michelle’s Backyard range, in 2017 with Punctuated and 2018 with her fourth range, Cidade. Michelle is skilled in all techniques of quilt making, but loves piecing, whether by hand or machine techniques. She is currently designing template sets to enable more intricate designs to be easily, and accurately, cut and pieced.
VIEW ITINERARYDay 1 Friday 15 October, 2021 Departure/Chicago
Today we depart on our flights from Australia to Chicago, via Los Angeles. As we
cross the International Date Line, we will arrive the same day we depart. Upon
arrival into Chicago we are met by our private coach and are transferred to our
airport hotel for check in.
Day 2 Saturday 16 October, 2021 Lincoln, NE
This morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Lincoln, Nebraska.
On arrival we will visit the Cosmic Cow Quilt Store. This store has 5,000 bolts of
quality quilting fabric, quilting supplies, including threads, rulers, notions, books,
patterns and so much more. This evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner to meet
Michelle Marvig and other tour members.
Day 3 Sunday 17 October, 2021 Lincoln, NE
The morning will be free to explore Lincoln. This afternoon will be a highlight visit
to the International Quilt Study Centre and Museum, an architecturally stunning
museum housing a treasure trove of quilts from many countries. People who love
quilts and quilt making have worked many years to bring it into being and the
museum has the world’s largest publicly held quilt collection dating from the
early 1700s to present and representing more than 50 countries. Michelle will
guide the group around the historical quilts and the best displays. I am sure our
visit will be exciting and rewarding.
Day 4 Monday 18 October, 2021 Hamilton, MO
Today we travel to Chillicothe a town near Hamilton, followed by free time for
shopping. The store sells patterns, fabric, notions and Handi Quilter longarm
machines. In the evening Michelle Marvig will meet those wishing to dine with
the group.
Day 5 Tuesday 19 October, 2021 Hamilton, MO
We will travel to Liberty to enjoy a trunk show with Angela Walters.
Hamilton is a town devoted to quilters. In the town there are many stores with
specific fabric themes, where we will find friendly and helpful staff. We will then visit
the Missouri Star Quilt Co., founded by Jenny Doan. A prominent quilter who
turned her hobby into a multi-million dollar business. Jenny is the author of
numerous articles, quilt patterns and contributes to the company owned quilt
magazine. We will have a talk about the history of the Quilt Co. and time to buy
inspiring quilting items. We visit Crossroad Quilting, a wonderful quilt shop with a
great selection of fabrics and patterns and a good display of made up bags.
Day 6 Wednesday 20 October, 2021 Hamilton, MO
This morning we travel to Jamesport, in the heart of Missouri’s Amish County. In
the early 1950’s the Amish immigrated to Jamesport, Missouri now the largest
settlement in the state. Currently around 175 families live on the rich farm land of
the area. We will enjoy a tour and step back in time through the Amish Farmlands,
Amish Home and Farm and Country Shops, where we will have time to shop at
Sue’s Soft Stuff and the Farmhouse collection. We will be able to buy beautiful
variegated yarn and handmade products. We will learn all about the Amish,
their customs, life style and beliefs. We return to Hamilton to visit the Hamilton
Quilt Museum. They display a large collection of antique toy sewing machines, a
patchwork room with old sewing patterns patched along the walls and patchwork
material on the floor and a room which features different techniques, patterns
and styles of quilting.
Day 7 Thursday 21 October, 2021 St Louis, MO
Today we travel from Chillicothe to St Louis, stopping along the way at the St Louis
Premium Outlets. In the evening Michelle Marvig will meet those wishing to dine
with the group.
Day 8 Friday 22 October, 2021 St Louis, MO
This morning we will enjoy city tour of St Louis and see the Jefferson National
Expansion Memorial, which occupies the tradition levee. Within the 91 acre park
we will see the Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument and the Old
Courthouse. We will visit the nicely restored home of President Grant, which is
a National Historic site. We continue with a visit to an interesting fabric store The
Quilted Fox.
Day 9 Saturday 23 October, 2021 Paducah, KY
This morning we drive to Paducah, a hub for quilting shops and museums. On
arrival, we check into our hotel where we’ll spend the next three nights. In the
evening Michelle Marvig will meet those wishing to dine with the group.
Day 10 Sunday 24 October, 2021 Paducah, KY
This morning we will walk along 4th Street, past local speciality shops to Quilt in
a Day, where there will be gorgeous fabrics for sale. We continue to the nearby
National Quilt Museum, home to many award winning and historic quilts. We will
see over 150 antique and contemporary quilts on display.
Day 11 Monday 25 October, 2021 Paducah, KY
This morning we visit Paper Pieces, which supplies premium quality notions
and pre-cut paper pieces for English Paper Piecing. There will be time for you to
purchase lunch. We then continue with a visit to Hancock’s of Paducah’s Fabric
Store. Bring your shopping list as you browse among the rows and rows of fabrics
in this huge shop. Bargains can be found in the back room. The fabric fills the
floor area, the walls are covered in books and notions. Home decorator fabrics
and trims are also available. They will post them home from the shop on the day!
Day 12 Tuesday 26 October, 2021 Houston, TX
This morning we will drive to Nashville, the home of country music. We will have
a tour around this interesting city, where many famous stars live including Nicole
Kidman and Keith Urban. We will fly to Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States and an international business centre. Houston’s downtown area has
a sense of emptiness, because there are over six miles of underground tunnels
connecting more than seventy of the major businesses. They are a welcome
escape from the humidity for which Houston is famous. On arrival we check into
our hotel. In the evening Michelle Marvig will meet those wishing to dine with
the group.
Day 13 Wednesday 27 October, 2021 Houston, TX
This morning will travel to the Painted Pony n Quilts located at La Porte. This is a
large store with a variety of fabrics. We will then visit the Governor Ross Sterling
Mansion, which was the largest private residence in Texas in 1927 when it was
built. The design is a scaled down replica of the White House in Washington.
We return to Houston and the rest of the day is free. This evening we will attend
preview night for the International Quilt Festival to be ready for the activities
tomorrow.
Day 14 Thursday 28 October, 2021 Houston, TX
The International Quilt Festival opens today to the public. There will be a large
number of classes that tour members will be able to attend. Book early, so that you
are able to register for the classes of your choice. There will be classes offered in
appliqué, design and all aspects of quilting. You book the classes on the internet.
Please contact Michelle Marvig if you require further information about classes.
Day 15 Friday 29 October, 2021 Houston, TX
We visit the International Quilt Festival today. There will be time to browse among
the displays and buy items for future quilting.
Day 16 Saturday 30 October, 2021 Houston, TX
This morning we travel to Le Grange for a visit to the Texas Quilt Museum. Housed
in an historic 1895 building on La Grange’s town square, this recently opened
museum has a wealth of beautiful and historic quilts. The quilts on display have
been made by internationally renowned quilt makers in traditional and avantgarde
styles. We continue to Old Town Spring, where group members will be able
to visit the many artisan shops for last minute shopping. This evening we enjoy a
Farewell Dinner to celebrate the end of our wonderful tour!
Day 17 Sunday 31 October, 2021 Departure
This morning is free for individual exploration. In the early afternoon we are
transferred to the airport for our flight to Los Angeles and on to Sydney, Brisbane
and Melbourne.
Day 18 Monday 1 November, 2021 In flight
Day 19 Tuesday 2 November, 2021 Arrive Australia
The tour group arrives in Australia and the tour concludes.
| Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $8,795 | $11,345 |
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the assistance from others.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the assistance from others.
TOUR OPERATOR:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd, (ABN 64 005 817
078) is the tour operator.
TOUR COSTS:
The tour costs are based on airfare, general transport, accommodation
costs and foreign exchange rate at 20/11/19. Travelrite reserves the
right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that
has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify
arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 62 days of departure
from Australia.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS:
A deposit of $900.00 per passenger for is required
at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 62 days before departure
for the Quilters Companion Tour. Cancellation over 62 days before tour departs
there will be a loss of $900. Cancellation under 62 days before tour departs will
result in a loss of all monies paid. Payment may be made by cheque or cash a
1.5% administration fee will be charged on payments made by credit cards.
CANCELLATIONS:
* Cancellation conditions don’t apply for clients with future cruise/tour credits – Cruise/tour credits are non-refundable.
AIR TAXES:
from Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane as listed in the itinerary. Please
contact us for air taxes from different cities. Air taxes are as at 20/11/19. If
they change due to government and airline charges and currency variations,
Travelrite International reserves the right to charge additional amounts.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of
cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS and CONDITIONS:
The tour has been priced on
the basis of a minimum number of passengers having booked 62 days prior to
departure. Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of
all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost.
TOUR ORGANISATION:
Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised
entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
REFUNDS:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow
for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals,
airfare or other services not utilized after the tour has commenced.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
All passengers will require a valid passport.
Australian passport holders require an ESTA. If you hold another
passport please check with Travelrite.
BAGGAGE:
All passengers qualify for 23kg free baggage allowance.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
RESPONSIBILITY:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the
tour organizer. Travelrite acts only as an agent in the making of arrangements
for hotels, transportation, restaurants or any other service and does not assume
any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to
person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier
restaurant company or person rendering any services included in the tour, or
by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay
due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine,
government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control.
No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, rerouting
or acts of any government authority. The passage contract between
the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between
the carriers and the purchasers of this tour and/or the passengers. The right is
reserved to withdraw any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may be
found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper
carrying out of the tour. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the
laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken
in the State of Victoria.
DELAY and UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite International to
book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International
acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and
the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services
that comprise the tour. Travelrite International may without reference to
you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third
party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite
International reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the
tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain
you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any
reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose.
You agree to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof and you indemnify
Travelrite International in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite
advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk
that any such good or service may become required.
HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by sending full names and
addresses of intending tour members with a deposit of $900 for the
Quilters Companion Quilting tour.
Please send to:
Travelrite International Pty. Ltd.
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information or a booking form can be obtained by telephoning Travelrite International on the following numbers:
Toll Free 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 8803 6868
Fax: (03) 9836 8068
Email: balwyn@travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established family-owned business that’s been operating in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs for more than 35 years. Travelrite International is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), is fully Accredited with ATAS (A10538) and IATA. As such they directly
represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic
and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
“The best Tour Manager I have ever had over all tour companies.”
“Michelle puts a huge amount of effort info making our trip as good as it can be. Wonderful!”
