Welcome to the home of the Stitching Cruise

We are friends who's joy is to share our love of needlework, just slightly off the beaten path. What better way to have a great vacation than to combine it with a great needlework class! All the time viewing some of the most beautiful places in the

world.

We have been combining our two loves since 2005 and have had a wonderful time while

doubling in size since then. We are very excited to have added a 2nd cruise in 2008 to accommodate our group!

Let us introduce ourselves to you if you have not already met us!

Marilyn Vredevelt, founder and president of Stoney Creek Collection, Inc. learned how to stitch from her mother and grandmother as a young girl .  In 1979, Marilyn began her" career" in needlework by owning and operating  a retail needlework store.  In 1984, she published Stoney Creek's first cross-stitch books.  While Marilyn has received many prestigious awards and accolades, her greatest joy comes from teaching and sharing the joy of needleart with others.  She was instrumental in launching and developing the Stitching Festivals which ran from 1999 to 2007.  In 2008, under Marilyn's direction, Stoney Creek is sponsoring the new Stitching Jubilee to be held October 2-4 2008 in Valley Forge, Pa. Marilyn loves to cruise and meet all her stitching friends.

"We've become a cruising family! I look forward to this ever year!"

Lorri Birmingham, is an internationally known designer recognized for her light hearted whimsical characters and elegant Hardanger needlework.  Her designs have earned her several prestigious awards throughout the years. Lorri attended the Paier School of Art in New Haven, Ct. Where she furthered her training in portraits and the fine art.  She began her needlework career as a free lance designer in 1989 and founded her own company in 1993. She finally closed the doors to Lorri Birmingham Designs in 2006. Lorri sat on the board of directors for the Stitching Festival from1999 to 2006. She started a new business in 2006, designing jewelry. Lorri owns and operates 2 jewelry stores on Lake George, New York, which keeps her busy all summer. All this time Lorri hasn't been able to forget her love for needlework.  She is currently working with Stoney Creek on new designs. She also missed all the wonderful friends she has met throughout the years. "It was very hard to say goodbye to all my fans and students, but now I get to see them at least once a year on the cruises!"  Lorri will also be teaching at the Stitching Jubilee in October. Lorri counts the days from cruise to cruise.

"I just love it! it is my favorite vacation! I love it so much I became a Cruise Planner!"