Archive for the 'Uncategorized' Category

I’m back…

Patricia August 21st, 2007

…if you’ve tried to reach me today, I’m sorry — I have been stuck in a travel delay all day.  I’m currently back and will be back in the office bright eyed and ready tomorrow.  I also promise tomorrow a HUGE update on all I learned about the Infinity.

But here’s the sneak preview.  It is WONDERFUL.  First, I’m going to say straight up, in beauty this ship is one of the two prettiest ships I’ve ever been on. (The other one was Queen Mary 2.)  Second, I have put in some pretty huge requests with Celebrity for us in 2008 (like private viewing areas, ahem) and as of right now I’m pretty much getting everything I’ve asked for.  Oh and I’ve got a new theme to this cruise…

“A Yarn Shop in Every Port”  Oh yes — I found a yarn shop in EACH port call.  And are you ready for this, more than Quivet, I’ve located some specialty ALASKA yarns. I’ll have photos soon so you can get all excited too.

More information coming, I promise — but please understand when I tell you, I really need to get a bit of rest tonight.

PS to anyone who is BOOKED and wants their blog in the blogroll.  The “top secret” way to do that is to e-mail me and tell me your blog.

Let’s Scout out the Ship

Patricia August 8th, 2007

Before I begin, I want to welcome anyone who is coming here for the first time.  I’ve been getting lots of phone calls and e-mails from our Interweave ad, as well as Brenda’s podcast, Knitty and more!!!!  I want to make sure as many people are on the same page as possible and I promise — I’m updating the FAQ up top with all the answers to the questions I get.  If you have a question ASK — there’s probably more who have the same question too.

Now — Can you believe we are about 9 months out from Sea Socks ‘08?  I can tell you the excitement levels here are twice as high as this time last year.  We are working hard to bring you even bigger and better experiences.

Next week, I’m going to scout out our ship.  I’m looking for the perfect places to hold classes; the perfect place to knit as a group; and the perfect place for the all important cocktail party.  I’ve been asked to scout the food (which I will ’suffer’ through if I must) and I’m going to scout some yarn at the port calls. (I know this is the painful part of my job, right?)  If there is something you want to know about the ship — e-mail me or leave a comment BEFORE FRIDAY!!!!  I will update everyone when I return.

Now, while I’m out of the office, Michael will be handling all the bookings and questions that come in.  Be assured that he is up to speed on the cruise information — but he’s not a knitter, so kindly hold the “what knitting should I bring?” questions.  I promise to answer those when I return.

Cruising Basics — FAQ part 2

Patricia July 20th, 2007

Morning all.

Wow, I know it has been a bit since I posted, I really do shoot for once a week — but time kept on moving on. Seriously, if I ran the world I would totally be able to blog by THINKING my post and not have to mess with that slow typing thing. (But wait, then you’d get my random thoughts in the blog and not a clearly well-thought out missive like this….it could totally happen — Aunty Nin, HUSH!)

Moving on.

I have really been reading comments and I’ve gotten a few e-mails about cruising basics. So, I thought the easiest thing would be if I put up a few notes (answers to common questions) and then ask my past cruisers to add in comments their thoughts too.

(I must also put in a plug for the Mail Buoy podcast — Michael and I do one weekly and we’ve done shows on first time cruisers. Also, I’ll mention that I’m going to be meeting the staff on the Infinity soon and I’ll be focusing a show on Sea Socks ‘08 previews soon.)

Here it goes — questions I get often that will be added to the FAQ:

1. Why are we in Seattle for 2 days?
This is actually a function of the time we leave Seattle. We depart at 1am Sunday Morning. This means, you will board the ship in Seattle (ideally near noonish) and be sound asleep (or partying with the Night Sheep) when we actually depart. Still to be answered is the time of the muster drill (life jacket safety) and if we can put our stuff down and disembark to hang out in downtown Seattle. These are questions I’ll post the answers to once I know.

2. Are Knitting Classes included?
Actually YES. ALL classes are included in the group price. Also included is an amazing goody bag.

3. Will there be anything to do for non-knitters? Is there a special price?
We don’t have the whole ship, so there will be a bevy of activities for non-knitters on the ship (as well as off). I will say this, we also have a larger group of non-knitters joining the group (spouses and such) so I’m thinking of pushing Michael into hosting a “support group” one afternoon or something. But needless to say, there will be things to do — for them, sadly, it will not be all fiber all the time. With regards to a special price, Celebrity is very strict about pricing. I must charge everyone the same rate, without exceptions. However, call me if this is your question, because I do have a special offer for non-knittersl rules state I can’t post it.

4. Excursions?
There will be some. I’m working out the details and I will post them when I get it all sorted. They are not currently included in the pricing, these will be optional and extra. Howevr, any excursion I book will be only for us and geared to what we want to do.

5. Formal Night(s)?
There will be TWO formal nights on this cruise. This does not mean ballgowns and tuxes. Since I will be on a Celebrity ship soon, I will take photos to give you an idea of how formal they get. This past year, most of us seemed to dress for dinner, hurry back to the cabins change then meet up for knitting.

6. Meals?
All meals, except the speciality dining room, are included in the cruise fare. Your drinks (beyond water, iced tea, and coffee) are not. Even 24 room service is included. We will be seated together — in the same section of the dining room. Unless you request to be away from the group, we will be in the main seating for dinner.

7. Extra “unexpected” expenses?
As far as the ship is concerned, the added expenses are tips, drinks (not water, iced tea, or coffee — unless in a bar), spa appointments, purchases at the shops, casino gambling. As far as the Sea Socks group goes, unless you add shore excursions and such, nope — well, I am not responsible for your yarny purchases.

8. Non-wool yarns?
This was a new question for me, and I talked to Erin about offering an option. Details will be forth coming on how we can (but we will) handle this. Just a warning, there may be a slight increase for the non-wool goody bag — but I promise it won’t be much.

9. Special requests?
These would include any help at the pier, wheelchairs on board, dietary needs, and such. 99% of these can be handled without issue, but I need to know about them at the time of booking so we can tell Celebrity in advance.

10. Payments, and due dates?
Let’s be very clear. The deposit is $500 per cabin ($250 per person, but if the cabin is booked as a single, it is $500) due at the time of booking. The final payment is due 2/15/2008. If you wish to make payments along the way, please feel free, but the only requirement is to be paid by 2/15/2008.

Questions?
Always feel free to call me at 888-286-9827.

The Wonder of It All

Mama E June 19th, 2007

Hello cruisers!

First off, let me say how happy I am to be returning to the karrrioke posse teaching staff of Sea Socks 2008. I had a blast teaching and shopping with the 2007 cruisers, and I know that 2008 will prove to be an amazing voyage.

What can I say about my fellow teachers? Chrissy is one of the most gifted knitters I know. She is quiet thunder, y’all. Watch out for her and her designs.

Amy Singer? Wow. I am so happy that we will be in the same place for 7 days and not waiting to buy yarn from the Fold! Seriously, Amy has made knitting so very accessible to designers and knitters through the love of Knitty. We all have many sheepless things to learn from her.

Then there is Brenda Dayne. Talk about making knitting totally accessible to everyone through “Cast-On”. She is a visionary and I am so amazingly thrilled to be a part of  this band of talented knitters.

I saved the best for last (sigh…) Patricia. My west-caost cruisin’ sister in knit. Want to talk about how much she is going to:

a) Plan an enjoyable cruise

b) get you in the way of swag

c) answer any question or make any accomodation for you?

Yeah, she rocks.

Thanks for joining in on the fun. I promise I will bring my sparking personality and some GREAT yarn.

Ahoy, mateys!

Meet the Staff of ‘08

Patricia June 5th, 2007

I once read, “Travel only with thy equals or thy betters; if there are none, travel alone.”  I’m pleased to say that in 2008, I’m NOT traveling alone.  The all star line up we have coming with us delights me to no end.  And I can no longer count the number of times an e-mail has passed between us that begins with the almost word, “Squee.”   I warn you, I’m a lot in love with each of these women.  They amaze me in so many ways and truly they are not just amazing because of the mark they are leaving in the knitting world, they are truly cool women.

With further ado, I bring you the Cruise Staff and Patricia’s Brain Trust for Sea Socks ‘08:

Back with us for a second year, I and thrilled that Mama E will be bringing us her sparkling personality and delightful teaching style.  She had the single most talked about class on Sea Sock ‘07 and everyone was loving their art inspired color swatches.  But who is she?  Originally from the New York Area (code for New Jersey) and making her home in Baltimore, with husband (D) and cute son, Cowboy; Mama E is a hand-dying artist.  The creator of C*EYE*BER Fibers, she hand dyes rovings and all sorts of fabulous yarns.  With an amazing eye for color, Mama E has been featured in all sorts of places, including Knitty.

Mama E will once again be producing her magical exclusive colorways for the cruise (I think I once told her I could eat her yarn and yet, she still speaks to me — I think this speaks to the joy that is Mama E than my talent with the words).  In addition, she will be teaching a follow-up course on color theory that will challenge those in this year’s class as well as delight the first time Sea Socks folks.

Speaking of Knitty, the mastermind and editor of Knitty.com, Amy Singer jumped at the opportunity to share her knitting mojo with us on the ship.  Amy is the Queen of the “Squee” as far as I’m concerned — as I have countless e-mails that bring a smile to my face regarding how excited she is to be joining us.  Now, her noteworthiness (that is SO a word) doesn’t end with Knitty.  Amy wrote No Sheep for You (though I not so secretly think it should have been No Sheep for Ewe, but I’m sick that way) and co-authored Big Girl Knits and the upcoming Big Girl Knits 2.  What you want to know about Amy is that she fell in love with cruising in Caribbean last year — this is good for us, because she can’t wait to get back on a ship (I happen to know for a fact that she has the webcam of a ship on her desktop — just sayin’).  In addition, I don’t think she cared what the ship was once I said the magic word, Alaska.

Amy has promised to teach her “No Sheep” Class on yarn substitutes, for which I’m currently writing down a LONG list of questions for her.  In addition, I’m working really hard to get her to teach a short class on lace work with sock yarns, according to her, she’s been doing this alot.  Personally, I’m fully planning on celebrating Amy and Knitty one night of the cruise with “Knitty Night,” where we can share our completed (or not) Knitty Knits and Amy will share her tips/tricks on getting published in Knitty.

One person who I know will be up front for Knitty Night,  is Chrissy Gardiner. Why?  Because I think that’s just about the only place you can’t find her patterns.  Now, I know it isn’t personal since two of her patterns will be featured in Big Girl Knits 2 — so I think Amy is safe ;).  Look for her in the Fall ‘07 issues of Interweave Knits and Knitscene as well as in the upcoming books Big Girl Knits 2, Stitch n’ Bitch 3: An Advanced Knitting Manual, Just Socks, Just Gifts, Maternity Knits and Handpainted Knits.  She’s also been published in MagKnits and Spun.  All of this and she still had time to join us on Sea Socks ‘07.  Despite a little downtime in her cabin with the kids and her mom, she jumped on the chance to come with us again.  This year she is looking forward to not being stuck in the cabin and knitting in Alaska.

Chrissy is going to be writing our exclusive sock pattern for this year to work with Mama E’s yarn.  In addition, she will be teaching during the cruise sock techniques and ideas.

Finally, the woman who will probably win the award for coming the longest distance to cruise with us, Brenda Dayne from Cast On will be joining us.  Not only has she interviewed just about everyone in the knitting world, she produces by far one of the best podcasts on knitting.  While I could spend hours talking with Brenda on her love for the union of technology and knitting (our connections via blogs, e-mails, and podcasts), I really am looking forward to bending her and Tania’s ear about their 1970 Morris Minor.  Ok, so that’s totally personal, but Brenda is delightful in every way.

Brenda will be teaching a class on the Golden Age of Knitting.  This is based on how similar this recent resurgence of knitting mirrors the Renaissance and how blogs and podcasting plays an important part of this.  Since Brenda has spoken to just about anyone who is anyone in the knitting world, I’m thrilled to hear her take on the Knitting Movement and its future.  And speaking of Brenda teaching, Brenda would love to offer an introduction to podcasting class.  However, since this is equiptment intensive, we need to know who would be interested in a real hands on class.  If you would like an introduction to podcasting with Brenda, please E-MAIL me at seasocks(AT)gmail(DOT)com.

Want to know who I am too?  Well, I’m Patricia.  I am a travel agent by trade and a knitter by love.  I learned to knit a few years ago and instantly was addicted — much like when I first cruised.  I’m thrilled to be host to one of the only cruises completely designed for and by knitters.  It is my hope that my love for knitting and knitters shows in all that I do for this event.

From the moment you book until I say goodbye in Seattle (and even after if you wish), I am here for you.  I will most definately help you with your travel plans, but I also will help with knitting questions, should they arise — you know the hard questions like “What knitting should I bring on the plane?” (the answer is something for me, of course ;) and even “how do I pack for the cruise?” (answer: be sure to pack an empty suitcase for your purchases.)

So, there’s your staff.

Speed Bumps in Road to Alaska

Patricia May 24th, 2007

Sea Socks ‘07 was so easy to plan, I never would have expected what just happened.  Never, it never crossed my mind as a possiblity.

Princess Cruise Line has canceled the May 7th (plus a few more) sailings of the Dawn Princess.

(Deep Breaths.)  I spent much of yesterday demanding to speak to ANYONE at Princess who would tell me why they were doing this to me and my knitters.  I tried to explain to anyone who would listen that if I were them, I would not disappoint THIS group of knitters.  But alas, they did not listen.

I then imediately called a meeting of my Brain Trust (I recently, yesterday, promoted them from ‘Cruise Staff’ to ‘Brain Trust’ — there’s no increase in pay, unless you double their zero salary, but much more prestiage).  Amy, Erin, and Chrissy to the rescue, all of them helped me pick a new cruise, which frankly, I think is even better.

Ahem, announcing the New Improved (better than 4 days) Sea Socks ‘08!!!

Now, departing Seattle on May 9th on Celebrity’s Infinity.  (Celebrity is a sister company to our friends at Royal Caribbean — and they know us now.) 

Highlights:

  • 7 night cruise!
  • Ports include Victoria, Ketchikan, Juneau.  There will be scenic sailing at Hubbard Glacier and through the inside passage (remember the much promised protected waters?)
  • This is an amazing ship: Built in 2001 (three years younger than the Vision); Nearly twice the crew for the same number of passengers as the Vision; and at 91,000 gross tons, she’s about 10% larger than the Vision of the Seas.
  • Amy, Chrissy, Erin, and a soon to be announced 4th celeb/knitter/teacher  Brenda Dayne will be on board — as well as Michael and I.
  • Need more details: http://www.mycruiseplanner.us/ccs/9980

The booking enginge above is going to be taken down, until I get it up and running with the new information. 

Everyone currently booked on the Dawn will be called over the next few days to discuss the options.

I’m truly excited about this new option for our Sea Socks cruise. 

Booking for Sea Socks ‘08 is OPEN

Patricia May 13th, 2007

Yes, the booking is now open for the 2008 Sea Socks group. If this year was any indication, next year will be amazing. I’m committed to bringing you the same high quality support and fun experience. Mama E promises me MORE of her sparkling personality.

So, how to book? You can follow the little link up top that says “Book Now” OR you can click here and use the group id “seasocks” to get in. If you need to call me, please do so. I’m in the office from 8am to 8pm PST Monday through Friday, but I will be taking calls Sunday, May 13th after noon.

We expect this cruise to fill quickly, so please come and join us.

Sea Socks ‘07 Check your e-mail

Patricia May 9th, 2007

If you signed up on the ship to have your e-mail sent to the group, it has been sent.  I got a few e-mails bounced back to me, so PLEASE check your e-mail and send me a note if you didn’t an e-mail from me with the attachment of blogs and e-mails.

The other highly important information that was in the e-mail is reproduced here for all to see.  If you wish to be added to the Sea Socks ‘07 list, please just e-mail me and I’ll add you.  I’m going to be sending out more e-mails this week.

Wow, what an amazing trip home.  In case you aren’t privy to the fun, I literally got home yesterday — it is a LONG trip home from Seattle to San Francisco via Ft. Lauderdale.  So, back in the office today!  I have tons to catch up on, as I’m sure all of you do too, so I’ll try to keep this in short bullet form — since I’m a little known for being long winded.

For those who handed me forms for Sea Socks  ‘08:

    I’m booking your cabins today.  You should have a confirmation either late today or tomorrow.

For those who want a cabin on Sea Socks ‘08:

    Because I know (or I was told many times) that many of you either missed me on the last day OR you needed to go check the family calendar, I’m extending the savings offer until the end of May for my Sea Socks ‘07 folks only.  Now, I will warn you, I’m opening booking up to the rest of the knitting world on Sunday, May 13th, so I expect cabins to go quickly.

Do you have photos to share?  Oh, all the photos.

    It was suggested to me that we should use the power of Flickr and tagging for the photos.  So, the official tag for all the photos is “SeaSocks2007″  If you tag all your photos in Flickr with that, everyone who does a search will see everyone’s photos.  I hope to have my own photos up by the end of the week.  In addition, if you aren’t using Flickr already, it is a great tool and is free unless you need the “pro” tools.

Keeping in touch:

    Attached is the much asked about names, e-mails, and blog lists.  If there is something amiss, please e-mail me and I’ll fix it.  I’m going to try to post it on the Sea Socks blog with a password also.  This way there is always a place to get the most updated information. 

Speaking of the blog:

    I’m going to be slowly morphing the blog into the wrap up of Sea Socks ‘07 and the beginnings of Sea Socks ‘08.  I hope you will continue to watch that space for new and exciting information on this and other knitting cruises.  I fully plan on this week’s podcast to discuss the cruise, so I encourage those who enjoyed the past podcasts to listen to this one too.  In addition, I will be adding a page with everyone’s blog who attended ‘07 as an ongoing feature.  This is both for the traffic and in case someone might want to ask a Sea Sock Veteran questions.  If you don’t want to be listed, let me know.

    Oh, and the blog address as a reminder is:  www.mycruiseplanner.net/seasocks

Finally, did you lose anything on the cruise?  If you think you left something onboard please call Royal Caribbean’s Lost and Found department: 800-256-6649.  I have a few things that were handed to me in the course of the cruise too (um, all needles), so if you think you lost a needle, e-mail me too and I’ll check my personal lost and found.

Again, I thank you all for coming on the cruise with us.  Erin, Amie, Eunny, and I are thrilled you were there.  Handouts and a pattern update will be coming in another e-mail.  And as always, suggestions for next year and any other cruise, please let me know.

Thank you again,

Patricia and Michael

Welcome Home

Patricia May 7th, 2007

Wow, Sea Socks’07 was a blast, wasn’t it?  I’m thrilled to be heading home myself (but mostly to begin the prep work on Sea Socks ‘08, right?)  All the way home on the flight, I kept thinking of things we could do better, bigger, and how to top this year.  Needless to say, I have to get cracking.

Now, I’m sure everyone will be posting their photos on flickr and I’ll be sending the blog/e-mail lists around soon.  In addition, I want to ask that you watch this space as it morphs from Sea Socks ‘07 prep to Sea Socks ‘08 prep.  This way, we can continually add to the FAQ, as some of those cruise questions will never change.

I had a blast with everyone.  I can’t wait until next year.  Thank you all for joining me, Eunny, Amie, and Mama E on this adventure.

Last Minute Things

Patricia April 24th, 2007

Is everyone packing? Of course I’m not — I barely got my dry cleaning picked-up. But that’s tomorrow’s project.

There are a few last minute notes I wanted to remind everyone about:

Tipping:

The ship suggests $10 per day per person for the waitstaff/cabin steward and you can buy the vouchers for this on board and charge to your account. However, there could be a need for a little cash. Here are the tips you may wish to be prepared for:

  1. If staying at the Doubletree, you’ll want to tip the transfer guy on Sunday morning.
  2. The porter at the pier.
  3. The motorcoach driver in San Francisco.
  4. The motorcoach driver in Victoria.
  5. The motorcoach driver in Vancouver (for those on the post tours).

Most of these are suggested at $1 - $2 per person or bag. So, I’d bring at least an extra $10 or so in ones.

Safety:

Um, I so hate to have to remind everyone of this, but keep your wits about you. Use the cabin safe for any large sums of cash you win in the casino, wash your hands after you use the bathroom (I know, but this is how viruses are spread), and finally, try not to get drunk and do anything silly — like any scene from Titanic, ok?

Cell Phones and the Ship:

This is a major pet peeve of both Michael and I, thus we feel the need to stress the details.  If your phone is on while we are out to sea, you will notice that you’ll have a signal.  Should you pick-up your phone to place a call, your call will go from a cell-like tower to a satelite and then to the mainland.  This is the MOST expensive type of international roaming phone call you can make.  In addition to your cell companies charges, you may incur additional charges from the company that provides the cell-to-satelite service.  Um, in a word, are you ok with trading yarn money for cell phone time?

So, here’s a few tips.  One, check with your carrier and know thy rates!  Second, when in port, you are using land cell towers — so I expect there will be a mass of us using our phones in San Francisco.  Finally, you will pay international rates in Canada (unless of course you have a Canadian cell phone).

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