Scandinavian Getaway

May 29, 2011 -June 5, 2011

Join internationally renowned knitting & crocheting expert Lily Chin on a Scandinavian Getaway this May. Come and explore Holland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway onboard Europe's leading cruise line, Holland America Line. This 7-night cruise is an affordable and comfortable way to visit some of the best European cities, increase your skills and be inspired by top knitwear designers. No matter how many times you have been to Scandinavia, you are sure to find some of the most fascinating history and scenery on this cruise. For knitting history buffs, nature lovers and lovers of fine European wools, this cruise has it all!

Some of the port highlights along the way will include trunk shows and shopping in Copenhagen at Sommerfuglen as well as shopping for yarn and Norwegian sweaters at Husfliden in Oslo. Husfliden is one of Norway's Handcraft Society outlet stores and offers some of the highest quality handcrafts, sweaters and yarns in Norway. Here you will also find knitwear from Oleana and you will be amongst the first to visit Dale of Norway's brand new Dale Concept Store in Oslo. Dale of Norway, as you know, has been designing classic Norwegian knitwear and innovative technical outerwear for over 130 years.

Plan your future garments early so you can acquire souvenir yarn for that special project. Perhaps you'll get inspired and begin knitting a Scandinavian style sweater to keep you warm next winter! Or, if you want instant gratification you can buy one!

More Info

Lily Chin - Knitting & Crocheting Expert

Lily M. Chin is an internationally famous knitter and crocheter who is one of Craft Cruises most sought after instructors. Lily Chin has worked in the yarn industry for over 25 years. Lily began her career in the garment district in New York City at the age of 13 and is now an expert designer, instructor and author. Lily has created garments for the collections of designers from Ralph Lauren to Diane von Furstenberg. Lily was named a “Master Knitter” by Vogue Knitting and has been covered by media across the U.S., including the Late Show With David Letterman, CNN, Martha Stewart, the New York Times and more.

Traveling with Lily Chin ensures you will not only increase your knitting skills but you will also find inspiration and have fun exploring the ports along the way. You may have already heard about Lily's built in yarn radar! Lily enjoys life and lives it to its fullest. Lily is also one of the most well-traveled knitting personalities we know! What Lily loves most about traveling with Craft Cruises is the great community that is instantly created both onboard the ship and along the way among people who share the love of the art of her craft. Lily says "...there is nothing better than traveling with a group of people who share a common interest but who are otherwise quite different".

More Info

Sommerfuglen Yarn Shop - Copenhagen

Sommerfuglen is a fantastic yarn store owned by knitting designer Ditte Larsen. Sommerfuglen is centrally located in Copenhagen with one of the best yarn selections in all of Denmark. This store is easy to find and is always happy to host our groups with trunk shows by famous local designers such as Helga & Marianne Isager, Vivian Hoxbro and Hanne Falkenberg. For this cruise Helga Isager and Vivian Hoxbro will both give trunks shows and there will be Hanne Falkenberg samples in the shop to try on as well as numerous kits for sale. In addition to featuring these internationally known designers you will also find unique one of a kind shop designs made especially for Sommerfuglen's customers. Since this cruise stops overnight in Copenhagen there will be plenty of time for yarn shopping & sightseeing.

In addition to having very competitive prices, the owner also happily rebates the VAT for all Craft Cruise passengers!

More Info

Helga Isager

Helga Isager has joined teamed up with her Mother, Marianne Isager, with her own brand, Amimono. Helga, like her Mother, is also a very talented knit designer and is extremely popular with the younger generation. Helga's most recent book was inspired by the fashion styles of the 20th century. Helga's designs are modern yet timeless that look great on many body shapes and sizes. Following the inspiration of her Mother, Helga Isager's flattering designs are created to be worn and not to wear you. Helga will present her collection of designs at Sommerfuglen when the group is visiting on our first day in the port of Copenhagen.

More Info

Vivian Hoxbro

Vivian Hoxbro has been teaching and designing since 1984 and was one of the first to start kitting her exquisite patterns with instructions in English. Vivian Hoxbro is most known for her Domino-Knitting and Shadow-Knitting books.

Vivian teaches and inspires knitters throughout Europe and North America. She is a fascinating person and her knitting techniques produce garments that are interesting to look at, are fun to knit and are flattering to the wearer. Vivian will present her collection of designs at Sommerfuglen when the group is visiting on our second day in the port of Copenhagen.

More Info

Free Lily Chin Book!

This month's booking incentive is a free Lily Chin book! Each participant who books within two weeks will receive a complimentary copy of any Lily Chin book. Bring your book along and have it signed on the cruise!