Rona the Ribbiter

  • Shop
    • Books and Quilt Patterns
      • Books
      • Patterns
      • Pattern CORRECTIONS
    • Traveling Quilter Collection
    • Gadgets and Notions
    • Clearance Items
    • Wholesale
    • My account
    • Shopping Cart
  • Watch
    • Traveling Quilter Show Notes
      • Quilt Shop Spotlights
      • Quilt Shows
      • Extras
      • Confessions of a Quilter
      • Behind the Quilts Episodes
      • Full Episodes
    • Quilt Babble LIVE!
    • Quilter’s Community
      • What is the Quilter’s Community?
      • Behind the Quilts Podcast
      • LIVE with Rona & Stefan
      • Tutorials
      • Group Discussions
  • Quilt
    • Bucket List Challenge
    • Quilt Shops in the US
      • Quilt Shop Spotlights
    • Project Posts
    • Quilt Shows
  • Travel
    • Quilt Tours
    • Quilting Retreats
    • Shop Hops
    • Budgeting
    • Health & Safety
    • Airline Travel
  • Meet Rona
    • Hire Rona!
    • About
    • Contact Rona
    • Upcoming Events
    • Travel With Rona!

September 12, 2023 · Leave a Comment

What is a Quilt Tour?

Airline Travel· Bucket List Challenge· Iceland· International· Ireland· Planning· Quilt Tours· Quilting· Travel· Travel Tips· United Kingdom· United States

How organized quilting is taking over the globe!

  • Share on Twitter Share on Twitter
  • Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest Share on Pinterest
  • Share on Reddit Share on Reddit
  • Share via Email Share via Email

Have you always had an itch to see the world but don’t want to go alone? Did you know there are several tour groups that do just that and are geared specifically for quilters! Hundreds of Quilt tours are scheduled each year to places like Ireland, England, Japan, Egypt, Iceland and even many quilt destinations here in the US! For an unforgettable quilting adventure of a lifetime, I’d highly recommend giving them a try!

in this article

  • What is a Quilt Tour
  • Why Take a Quilt Tour
  • What to Expect on a Quilt Tour
  • How Much does a Quilt Tour Cost?
  • What to Pack on a Quilt Tour?
  • Want to take a Quilt Tour with me?
What is a Quilt tour | Mark Sherman Book of Kells quilt at Trinity College

A few years ago, Mark Sherman came to speak at our Quilters Guild and brought with him some flyers. He was advertising his first Quilt tour to Ireland. On that trip he would be premiering his amazing Book of Kells quilt at Trinity College in Dublin. Well, on a whim I picked up a flyer and took it home.

The next day I showed the flyer to my husband and, half-jokingly, told him we should go. No way did I expect the next words out of his mouth, “When do you leave?”

Dumbfounded that my husband, Mr. ‘why do we need to spend money on that’ was telling me to actually go to Ireland on a Quilt tour. I quickly hopped on the phone and made my reservation before he decided to rethink his position.

Y’all, that trip changed my life. Seriously. 12 strangers from various parts of the US came together in New York to trek across the Atlantic and explore just a few of the amazing sights and experiences Ireland had to offer. After 9 days, those strangers left life long friends. It was, by far, one of the best trips I’ve ever taken. And, I can’t wait to do it again!

What is a Quilt tour | cliffs of moher

What is a Quilt Tour?

For over 30 years a handful of tour companies have been taking quilters of all ages to various locations to experience quilt shops, retreats, shows and much more. Today, those trips include destinations all around the world including Japan and even Iceland.

Each Quilt tour usually includes entrance fees, travel and hotel accommodations and some meals. Some even include airfare.


Get the FREE Ultimate Quilter’s Bucket List Checklist

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

    Why Take a Quilt Tour?

    There are definitely a few pros and cons to going on an organized Quilt tour. The best Pros:

    • Everything is done for you. Once you sign up, all that’s required is for you to show up and enjoy. All of your accommodations, travel, ticketing, and itinerary has been scheduled for you.
    • New friends! Going in you already know that everyone on your trip is a fellow quilter. That means you already have something in common. By the end of the trip, you’ll all be great friends having experienced a grand adventure.
    • Security and peace of mind. There’s safety in numbers. That, coupled with your tour guides and their expertise, you can feel safe and secure to better enjoy your trip.

    The only draw back that I can see with organized Quilt tours might be the price. Full 1 – 2 week long Quilt tours can range from $1000 up to $5000 depending on the location. However, most of them do take payments so you can spread it out a bit.

    All that said, in my humble opinion, the tours are worth every penny.

    What is a Quilt tour | 4 travelers in Ireland

    Whether your goal is to see the US or to see the world, there is a Quilt tour adventure out there just waiting for you. From workshops to tours, museums to the wild outdoors, it’s sure to be the quilt adventure of a lifetime!

    What is on your Quilt Travel Bucket list? Let me know in the comments!


    WHAT TO EXPECT ON A QUILT TOUR

    Each quilt tour is unique. They vary in size and destination. Some schedule all your meal locations. Others only schedule a few. Some include full quilt workshops and others do not. Some will take you to various quilt shops, while others don’t include a stop at a single one. However, the biggest thing you can expect on every quilt tour is to be traveling with an entire group of fellow quilters.

    For me, I always feel comforted going into a quilt tour because right away I know we all have a significant common interest. And, if you’re like me, you can talk about quilting ’til the cows come home. It’s sort of like a great unifier amongst people who might otherwise be strangers. 


    books ad

    The next thing to expect is that the group will be filled with all sorts of interesting personalities. There will be the super adventurous one who would rather be exploring when she should really be napping (that’s usually me). There might also be the “Auntie Mame” type that keeps the entire group laughing. There usually will also be the shy one who isn’t really sure what to say to strike up a conversation. These are the people I like to seek out first to make them feel welcome and part of the group.

    No matter who you meet, you’re sure to find lifelong friends after experiencing such a wonderful adventure together.

    Whether your goal is to see the US or to see the world, there is a quilt tour adventure out there waiting for you. From workshops to tours, museums to the wild outdoors, it’s sure to be the quilting adventure of a lifetime!


    how much DOES A QUILT TOUR COST?

    As a general standard, full 1 – 2 week long quilt tours can range from $1000 up to $5000 per person, depending on the duration and the destination. However, most of them offer payment plans so you can spread the expense out a bit.

    I know that may seem like a large chunk of change; however, consider what is included in the price:

    • All entrance fees to exhibits, museums, etc. that are part of the itinerary
    • Hotel accommodations and scheduling
    • All transportation costs while on the tour
    • A professional tour guide
    • Some tours include a quilting workshop with established quilt teacher
    • Most include some meals
    • Many also include airfare to and from your tour destination

    I’ve also seen quilt tours that offer special “behind the scenes” type adventures that you can only experience with a tour group.


    • Quilted Keychain Pattern (PDF)
      Quilted Keychain Pattern (PDF)
      $5.00
    • Water Crystals pattern
      Water Crystals Quilt Pattern
      $12.00
    • Winter 3-in-1 Table Quilts Pattern
      Winter 3-in-1 Table Quilts Pattern
      $12.00
    • stargazer pattern
      Stargazer Quilt Pattern
      $12.00
    • Baby Diamond pattern
      Baby Diamond Quilt Pattern
      $12.00

    WHAT TO PACK ON A QUILT TOUR

    Before going to Ireland, I had absolutely no idea what to take with me. I checked the weather projections so that I could pack appropriate clothing. Then, I bought a brand-new pair of walking shoes. If you do this, please make sure you break them in for at least 2 weeks BEFORE your trip. Your feet will thank you.

    What to pack for quilt tour Rona the Ribbiter Traveling Quilter

    However, when it came to the size of my bag or the type of carry-on or even the quilting supplies I might need, I was clueless. So, I just bought the biggest suitcase I could find and filled it with whatever I THOUGHT I might need. I’m here to tell you, I didn’t even need half of what I brought. In fact, I ended up leaving a few things in Ireland.

    For most quilt tours, especially overseas, you will be doing a lot of moving around. Unlike quilt retreats where you mostly stay in one building, on quilt tours you’ll most likely be staying at a few different hotels and traveling to many different cities. I grant you that tour buses do have a decent size storage area. Unfortunately, you will be the one lugging that bag around to and from each hotel change.

    So to save your back and your sanity, I highly suggest going with a medium-size suitcase that is on wheels.

    For 1 week of travel, here is what I suggest you pack:

    • 3 shirts
    • 2 pairs of pants
    • 1 pair of shorts for warmer climates
    • 1 pair of good walking shoes
    • Bathroom products kit (travel-size bottles)
    • Any medications required for the full length of your quilt tour
    • Light rain jacket that can squish into your day bag
    • Regular jacket for colder climates
    • 1 – 2 items and/or projects to keep you busy during down times. For this I highly suggest a hand quilting project, a smaller-sized book, or perhaps an electronic tablet for playing games or watching movies.

    PRO TIP: To save space in your luggage, roll your clothes instead of folding them. This technique has been used by military personnel for generations to fit all their gear inside one duffel bag.

    To save space and time, there are a few things I recommend you leave at home:

    • Laptop. As useful as they are, laptops can be heavy and take up a lot of room, especially when you add in their cords and mouse. However, if you have one, an electronic tablet would be a much better space-saving option.
    • Full-size bathroom product bottles. These are bulky and you will not need that much product for such a short time of travel.
    • Too many projects. On your tour, you will have very little down time. Therefore, the only projects you should need are things to keep you busy on the plane and/or at night before bed.

    Related Posts:

    • Hotel Safety Tips for the Traveling Quilter
    • Check out my Travel Safety Tips When You Fly
    • Complete Lists of Quilt Shops in the US
    • More Travel Tips!

    Do you know someone who would love to learn about Quilt Tours? Click the buttons below to share the list with your friends! Then be sure to join us in the Traveling Quilters group on Facebook for more travel adventures!

    • Share on Twitter Share on Twitter
    • Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
    • Share on Pinterest Share on Pinterest
    • Share on Reddit Share on Reddit
    • Share via Email Share via Email

    more on the blog

    USQuiltTours
    Everything You Need to Know About US Quilt Tours
    Quilt Shops in RI
    Complete List of 9 Quilt Shops in Rhode Island
    NY Quilt shops
    Complete List of 98 Quilt Shops in New York
    KY quilt shops
    Complete List of 5 Quilt Shops in Kentucky
    quilters bucket list
    The Ultimate Traveling Quilters Bucket List
    VT Quilt shops
    Complete List of 12 Quilt Shops in Vermont
    How to Spend a Day in Tombstone, Arizona
    Games for Quilt retreat
    The 5 BEST Quilt Retreat Games

    shop the e-store

    • Traveling Quilter Books
      Traveling Quilter Books
      $14.95 – $39.90
    • Traveling Quilter T-shirt - Unisex
      Traveling Quilter T-shirt – Unisex
      $25.00
    • English Paper Piecing Travel Kit
      English Paper Piecing Travel Kit
      $44.95
    • Traveling Quilter 18 oz. Travel Mug
      Traveling Quilter 18 oz. Travel Mug
      $25.00

    About Rona the Ribbiter

    I'm Rona! I’m an author, pattern designer, teacher and Vlogger with a passion to see and experience all that life (and quilting) has to offer. Using travel to stitch life's quilt one adventure at a time!

    Previous Post: « The 5 BEST Quilt Retreat Games
    Next Post: How to Spend a Day in Tombstone, Arizona »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to the Pond!

    I’m Rona! I’m an author, pattern designer, teacher and Vlogger with a passion to see and experience all that life (and quilting) has to offer. Using travel to stitch life’s grand quilt one adventure at a time! Learn more…

    Join us at the Pond!

    Subscribe to get my newsletter full of trips, tips, coupons and much more!

      We hate spam too and will never send it. Unsubscribe at any time.

      Travel with me in 2024!!

      travel with Rona the Ribbiter

      Support This Site

      If you like what I do please support me on Ko-fi

      what is quilters community
      YouTube Cover Traveling Quilter
      2023 quilt show list
      quilters bucket list
      • Contact Ribbit!
      • Privacy Policy
      • Affiliate Disclosure
      • Terms
      • Wholesale Orders
      • Hire Me!
      • Amazon
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • LinkedIn
      • Pinterest
      • YouTube

      Copyright © 2023 · Ronatheribbiter.com ·

      We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
      Do not sell my personal information.
      Cookie settingsACCEPT
      Privacy & Cookies Policy

      Privacy Overview

      This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
      Necessary
      Always Enabled
      Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
      Non-necessary
      Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
      SAVE & ACCEPT