Alaska Explorer

September 4, 2011 (7 Day)

Seattle convenience! There are three very distinct Alaska cruise itineraries and this one features Seattle convenience and includes Sitka, a rarely visited port, that is one of the prettiest in Alaska. So pack up your needles and join us on this adventure visiting the best ports in Alaska where you will witness the beauty of the icy-blue glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska - the very name evokes images of soaring eagles, orca whales, glaciers, salmon and king crab. Alaska is home to stunning scenery and friendly locals. Visit local yarn shops in every port, explore Alaska's best ports, make new friends and learn new techniques from one of the most sought after teachers today, Jared Flood.

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Jared Flood

Jared Flood is a New York based knitwear designer and photographer. A Pacific Northwest native, Jared holds an MFA from the New York Academy of Art and travels the country teaching traditional hand knitting technique and garment construction. He has been living and working in Brooklyn since 2005.

His design work and writings have been featured in Interweave Knits, Vogue Knitting, Knit.1 Magazine, and Spin Off (Interweave Press) as well as various other book and online sources. Vogue Knitting describes Flood's work as "modern knitwear with a traditional vocabulary... and great attention to detail"; he has also been described as an "Inspirational Pioneer" by The Knitter Magazine (UK).

Jared is teaching less than ever before because in October 2010 he launched his own line of artisanal American yarn "Shelter" and that new venture has kept him very busy. The wool fibers are grown in Wyoming and spun in historic Harrisville, New Hampshire. Jared continues work on his line of both yarns and designs.

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Lorilee Beltman

Lorilee Beltman recently shifted from teaching in a yarn shop setting to teaching nationally, creating her own designs and developing a new DVD intended to give knitters an opportunity to learn continental knitting in a setting that closely resembles a private lesson. Lorilee is excited to teach this technique onboard since students will have plenty of time to practice converting their knitting style to continental.

Aboard ship Lorilee hopes to find some takers to play Kniddler, a knitting variation of the letter car game Quiddler. Bonus points are awarded for fiber terms like "ply". She'll pack her deck, but warns you to bring your best when playing Knibbler against Jared, as he seems to be unbeatable at this game.

Lorilee and Jared have been working together on "Our Favorite Things" which will be offered aboard the cruise. This will be a light hearted class packed with what they have found to be their students' favorite tips. Some personal anecdotes will also be shared in what will be a warm and engaging time together.

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PRIVATE SHORE EVENTS

Seattle Yarn Stores

Churchmouse Yarns & Teas

This is one of the best yarn shops in the United States for selection, location and staff. Visiting this yarn shop is a great way to kick off your Alaska knitting cruise! We've arranged a special event at Churchmouse Yarns & Teas the day before sailing for some fun activities. The shop owners, John & Kit, will host the group with refreshments, a free gift and special discounts. Everyone who participates will just love all the wonderful shop patterns and samples!

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The Weaving Works

The Weaving Works has the widest selection of fiber arts products in the Puget Sound and should definitely be visited if time permits. This store is located a short 7 miles from downtown Seattle in the University District (U-District) and is easy to reach. Special discounts will be offered to all Craft Cruise participants.

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So Much Yarn

So Much Yarn is the only yarn shop in downtown Seattle and is conveniently located one block from Pike Place market. With such a great location, extended hours, in-store specials and free gifts this shop is definitely one you will not want to miss. This store is under new ownership. The yarn selection has improved significantly and the staff is extremely attentive. The new So Much Yarn has a wide selection with a variety of price points for every budget. So Much Yarn offers a haven to knitters where you will feel welcome and at home.

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Juneau, Alaska

Seaside Yarns

Seaside Yarns caters to local fiber enthusiasts as well as tourists that arrive via air or sea. Located downtown on the waterfront, just steps away from one of the cruise ship docks in the historic Merchant's Wharf building. Locally owned and open year-round, Seaside Yarns has yarn available with every budget in mind including locally dyed yarns, fibers and authentic Alaskan Qiviut.

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Sitka, Alaska

Raven Frog Yarn

Raven Frog Yarn Alaska's largest manufacturer of fine hand spun and hand dyed yarns. Offering over 30 different yarns and fibers in 20+ color combinations gives customers over 600 different products to choose from.

All of the Raven Frog color combinations were inspired by the natural beauty and rich history of southeast Alaska. "Kelp Bed", "Princess Maksoutoff's Gown" and "Autumn Walk" are a few of the color titles. Each product tag describes the source of inspiration for that particular color.

In addition to a private tour of Raven Frog Fibers participants will also visit the Fortress of the Bear and the Raptor Rehabilitation Center where orphaned bear cubs and birds of pray are nursed back to health before release back into the wild.

Ketchikan, Alaska

"Beside" The Point, AKA The Bead and yarn Shoppe!

Cheri & Terry Pyles have done a fantastic job creating one of the best yarn shops in Alaska. The Point is Ketchikan's only Waterfront Art Cafe. Serving lunches of homemade soups, breads, sandwiches, quiches, cookies and other gastronomical delights.

The Point is a destination! And now there is "Beside" The Point, aka The Bead and Yarn Shoppe! located next door to The Point. With an extensive yarn selection knitters will love visiting this shop. Not only do you have one of the best views in Ketchikan but you'll get meet some really friendly locals.

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Why HAL in Alaska

Holland America Line is a leader when it comes to cruising Alaska. HAL has the nicest fleet, most spacious staterooms, medium size ships, and the most extensive itineraries available. Mid-size ships really make a difference in the quality of your experience, carrying fewer guests ensures quiet corners and unfettered views. Holland America also has an extensive selection of private tours for every interest and fitness level, as well as an enriching onboard Alaska program with their onboard naturalist and port lecturers. Alaska is a beautiful place and Holland America is the perfect way to enhance your experience. HAL has been cruising this region longer than Alaska has been a state! Come explore with Holland America Lines.

BOOKING INCENTIVE

$25 Gift Certificate for Chuchmouse Yarns & Teas!

Book within a week of receiving this email and knitting participants will receive a $25 gift certificate for Churchmouse Yarns & Teas.