Month: May 2018

Quilters love to visit quilt shows. They cherish the many beautiful quilts, they learn about the latest in quilting, they enjoy like-minded people, meet old friends and foster new friendships. That is what quilting is all about; it is a feel-good activity that takes place all over the world. It is a language spoken in the mountains of New England, in the bayous of Louisiana, in the islands of Japan and in the fjords of Iceland. It brings joy and comfort to many a quilter when lights are low in the depth of winter. It provides the occasion for fellowship at the monthly quilt guild meeting; where quilters gather for “show and tell” and to enjoy each other’s company.

All quilters dream about going to one of the famous AQS Quilt Shows in Paducah, KY, Lancaster, PA or even the big one in Houston, TX. Quilters travel with another quilter friend or with several members of their quilting bee, guild or club. This is where travel enters the picture and makes it complete. First, you may drive to the quilt show that takes place closest to you. Next, you say: “Aha! This is fun.” You will want to see different shows, in other parts of the country; even abroad. Now, – a quilt show may take a day only or up to 4 days, in the case of the biggest show. To travel from your place in New Hampshire to Paducah or to Houston is a big investment. The cost is even bigger for the Australian quilter coming to the Houston show or the Californian quilter who may travel to the biggest show in Europe, in Alsace, France.

This is when the word TRAVEL is written in capital letters. Quilting & Travel become part and parcel of the same experience. The Australian quilter shops for fabrics in Maine, but enjoys the spectacular New England nature at the same time; the visitors to the Paducah, KY quilt show enjoy an evening at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on the same trip. American quilters travel to Alsace, France to the biggest quilt show in Europe, and enjoy exploring the vineyards of the Rhine Valley and wonderful Paris. Now, – the money is well spent!

The world of quilting takes you to the far corners of the world, and that is what we do as well. Check our website: usquilttours.com and you’ll find tours to places close by, or to places far away. Travel with a relative or a friend. Should you be traveling solo, we’ll match you up with a suitable roommate. One thing you can be assured of: Each tour with quilters becomes a “circle of friends” – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Amish people follow a simple style of living that makes their culture fascinating to visitors from around the world. The Amish are farmers and many live in Pennsylvania, where some of the most popular quilt shows take place. The women wear plain dresses covered with apron and cape, while the men wear long beards, black hats, and dark-colored suits as well as straight-cut coats without lapels. Their clothing is an expression of simplicity in a culture that believes in plain living. The Amish are also called “The Plain People.”

The Amish are known the world over for their handicrafts, – in particular for their Quilts. You’ll stay in hotels in the heart of Amish Country (Lancaster County) and travel by bus from one Amish Quilt Store to the next. Many of these stores are located on Amish farms, without electricity or telephones. The famous Amish Buggies; the local mode of transportation, are a beautiful sight out on the narrow country roads. You will be amazed at the wide selection and quality of the Amish Quilts as well as the quantity of fabrics; you can choose between thousands of bolts. Quilters come from far away places, such as Australia and New Zealand to take advantage of the excellent prices on both quilts and fabrics.

We offer three tours to the “Land of the Amish,” two in the spring and one in the fall. Two of the tours include participation at some of the biggest and the best Quilt Shows; one takes place in Lancaster (AQS) and one at The Oaks, outside Philadelphia. Our tours are fun and the quality of accommodation and transportation are based on many years of experience, – the best. And all the while you have a professional tour manager to make sure your itinerary runs smoothly. We provide private docents or guides for any museum visits and local guides for city tours. A local Mennonite guide will escort the group for the Lancaster county tour – she has access to the Amish and knows their customs well – and knows where to find the best deals for you on fabrics.

The centerpiece of the tour is the Patchwork Meet in the idyllic Alsace region of France, where the largest quilt show in Europe takes place annually, spread between four beautiful fairytale villages, with half-timbered houses and vineyards that stretch to the horizon.

First spend a few days in Iceland. Your tour manager, Gudrun Erla Gisladottir, a renowned quilt designer is originally from Iceland and will be showing off her homeland. You will be in awe of the spectacular nature; the boiling hot springs, jumping geysers, volcanoes, glaciers and some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. You’ll get to know the Icelandic horses up close and personal as well as seals and puffins. Spend time in colorful Reykjavik at a time of the year when there are 19 hours of sunshine each day.

Travel to Germany and have a blast in Heidelberg, the famous university town. Follow the mighty river Rhine across into France with vineyards and wine festivals all around you. Arrive in Kaysersberg and stay in a fancy French manor house while exploring the Patchwork Show. Travel by rail to Paris to savor good food, visit Versailles and enjoy a farewell dinner at famous Moulin Rouge with your newfound friends. It is a combination of quilting, camaraderie, nature, cuisine, history and good honest fun – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.