Northern Slopes – 93″ Square

Northern Slopes – 61″ Square

Northern Slopes is offered in two sizes — 61″ and 93″ — but both are built the same way. The smaller quilt is made from six large blocks, each constructed from simple, repeatable units. The larger quilt uses only five block designs, repeated across the quilt. By breaking the project into clear sections, the construction stays manageable no matter which size you choose.

This is not a quilt you tackle all at once. It’s a quilt you build in chunks, with steady progress that adds up faster than you might expect.

Designed for Sewing, Not Cutting

One of the goals behind Northern Slopes was to keep the focus on sewing time, not prep time. The construction uses familiar techniques — strip piecing, chain piecing, stitch-and-flip, and working on multiple blocks at a time — so once you get into the rhythm, the quilt begins to move quickly. Along the way you’ll be making blocks you already know and love, including economy blocks, diamond-in-a-square, four-patches, flying geese, half-square triangles, chevrons, and cat’s cradle. Nothing here is exotic or fussy — just well-loved building blocks used in a thoughtful, efficient way.

If any specialty rulers are used during the workshop, they’ll be available for your use — one less thing to worry about or pack.

Why the 61″ Quilt Works So Well on the Cruise

The 61″ version was sized specifically with the cruise experience in mind. It’s large enough to feel substantial — a beautiful throw — yet structured so it can be finished during the cruise.

The tutorials are intentionally scheduled to evenly spread the work out, so there’s no sense of being rushed or trying to cram too much into any one session. The pace is designed to feel steady and realistic, with built-in free sewing time during the cruise if you’d like to catch up, revisit a section, or simply keep sewing.

If you don’t quite finish everything on board, there’s no pressure. Step-by-step videos will be available after the cruise, so you can refresh your memory and complete the quilt at home with the same structure and support.

A Quilt That Matches the Pace of the Retreat

Northern Slopes is an exclusive cruise pattern, designed specifically for this retreat experience. One of the real gifts of a quilting cruise is the combination of time, space, and atmosphere. Away from everyday distractions, it’s easier to settle into the process and keep momentum going.

The quilt was designed to support that rhythm:

• clear construction

• repeatable steps

• visible progress

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the size of the finished quilt, you’re always focused on the next section — and before you know it, you’re much farther along than you expected.

From First Stitch to Finish Line

Whether you stop at the 61″ quilt or decide to continue on to the full 93″ version, the path is the same: simple units, repeated with intention, building something striking one step at a time.

We’ll provide a simple list of sewing supplies to bring with you, and sewing machines and thread will be provided. We’ll also have a few extra supplies on hand — just in case.

Between the intentional pacing of the tutorials, the availability of free sewing time, and the ability to revisit the videos afterward, this is a project designed to carry you all the way through — calmly, steadily, and enjoyably.

By breaking the design into manageable sections, Northern Slopes becomes a quilt you can truly enjoy making — and one you can, quite literally, cruise to the finish line.

A Few Common Questions About Northern Slopes on the Cruise

Is this pattern available anywhere else?

Northern Slopes was designed specifically for the Alaska Quilting Cruise and is not available outside of that experience. It’s an exclusive retreat project created especially for this journey.

Does the cruise price include the quilt kit?

Yes — the quilt kit is included in the cruise price. There is no separate kit fee.

The fabrics are coordinated and prepared so you can spend your time sewing and enjoying the experience, not worrying about sourcing materials or scrambling to prep.

What if I don’t finish on the cruise?

When you join me for the 2027 Alaska Quilting Cruise, the learning doesn’t stop when we dock.

We’ll make Northern Slopes together in person — and your support continues after the cruise ends.

• ✔️ Video refreshers so you can revisit techniques anytime

• ✔️ A private support group (hosted off social media)

• ✔️ Encouragement and guidance so your quilt actually gets finished

This isn’t just a class. It’s supported quilting — before, during, and after the cruise.

If you’d like to learn more about the itinerary and booking details, you can find them here.

Glaciers to Gold Rush | Quilt Adventures

If you want to know more about the inspiration, check this out.

Northern Slopes – Quilting Cruise | Tourmaline & Thyme Quilts

Happy Quilting!