Within two years of discovering patchwork, Michelle was working for an Australian distributor of American patchwork cottons, as a sample maker. This allowed her to work from home, around the responsibilities of her two small children. It also meant that she was exposed to many styles of fabrics and stepped up to the challenge of designing quilts in all genres. It was during this time that her work was noticed by magazine editors. She was among the contributors included in the first edition of Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazine. Her quilts have received numerous awards at the NSW Quilters Guild Quilt Shows. Since 2008 Michelle has escorted Australian quilters overseas on patchwork tours to America, Canada, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore and Europe for Travelrite International and Quilter’s Companion. When not traveling on tours, Michelle teaches workshops around Australia, and New Zealand. She loves teaching others the skills required to make new quilt designs and to understand the best way to use fabrics. She also loves to help others spend their money in the patchwork shops on tour!
VIEW ITINERARY DAY 1 Sunday, 19 October 2025
Arrive Melbourne
Tour members will meet at Melbourne Airport. Please ensure you
book your flight to arrive in time for you to be ready for departure at
1.00pm. We enjoy an orientation tour of Melbourne, including the Queen
Victoria Market, before being transferred to our hotel for check in. This
evening, we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner to meet Michelle Marvig and
other tour members.
DAY 2 Monday, 20 October 2025
Melbourne
This morning, we visit Cutting Cloth, which stocks a collection of beautiful
fabrics together with curated collections of project kits and precut fabric
bundles, sewing notions and haberdashery. We will continue with a visit
to NGV International, which houses an extensive collection of art and
sculpture from Europe, Asia, America and Oceania. After exploring the
gallery, we will enjoy a Sparkling High Tea.
DAY 3 Tuesday, 21 October 2025
Melbourne
Today we travel to Chandlers Cottage in Drouin, to meet with Leesa
Chandler who owns The Textile Pantry. Leesa published her first pattern
in 2004, and has published over 200 patterns for quilts, bags, cloth
ing and home decor since then. All her patterns are tested in house,
independently by other quilters. We will enjoy morning tea and Leesa will
talk about Chandlers Cottage and designing fabrics, plus offer a sneak
peek at new fabrics and projects. There will be time for you to shop
fabrics, patterns and projects, as well as rich Japanese made prints and
digitally printed fabrics by Jason Yentor.
DAY 4 Wednesday, 22 October 2025
Geelong
In the morning, we travel to Geelong, where we will visit the Bellarine
Sewing Centre. It is filled with a fabulous range of fabrics, patterns,
equipment and gifts. Owned by John Thorpe, who has worked in the
industry for more than 30 years and Zoe Clifton, who runs a pattern
business called Zoe Clifton Design. She writes patchwork books, patterns
and templates. We continue with a visit to the National Wool Museum,
which tells the Australian story of wool, fibre and textiles. We will enjoy a
behind the scenes tour of the museums collection of Quilts and Waggas
and learn the stories behind these interesting objects.
DAY 5 Thursday, 23 October 2025
Geelong
In the morning, we visit Amitie Textiles, owned by famous Australian
Quilter Jen Kingwell. Jen carefully sources fabrics from across the globe,
with a special focus on high-quality, distinct pieces, including many rare
finds from Japan. We will enjoy a Show and Tell, followed by free time
to shop.
DAY 6 Friday, 24 October 2025
Hobart
Today we travel to Melbourne Airport for our late morning flight to Hobart.
On arrival we visit Runnymeade, a beautifully preserved 19th-century
whaling captain’s elegant homestead. The house has a rich collection of
artefacts related to the maritime interests of Captain Charles Bayley and
his family, who made it their home for over 100 years.
DAY 7 Saturday, 25 October 2025
Hobart
This morning, we will visit the bustling Salamanca Market, where we can
purchase items from 170 stall holders representing artisans, designers
and producers. In the afternoon we visit the Cascade Female Factory
for a talk hosted by Christina Henri. Her project “Roses from the Heart”
is a memorial to all women sentenced to transportation as convicts to
Australia. 25,566 cloth bonnets (taken from an 1860s servants bonnet)
symbolize the women whose lives have been shrouded by a veil of
amnesia for far too long.
DAY 8 Sunday, 26 October 2025
Hobart
Today we travel to the Tasman Peninsula, where we visit the ruins of the
infamous penal settlement at Port Arthur. We will be provided with a Port
Arthur Site Entry ticket, which includes a 45-minute introductory guided
tour. We then continue our exploration of the site ‘self-guided’, with an
audio guide. We will also go on a short cruise that will take us close to the
Isle of the Dead. During today’s travels we will see other natural wonders
of the Tasman Peninsula, the Tessellated Pavement, the Blowhole, and
the Devil’s Kitchen.
DAY 9 Monday, 27 October 2025
Hobart
In the morning, we visit the Museum of Old And New Art. MONA is a
world-renowned art collection that doesn’t take itself too seriously and
is a place to appreciate art, without pretension. After time for lunch,
we will visit the Thread, Needlework and Patchwork store established
over 40 years ago. They offer patchwork and needlework supplies and
accessories to complete your latest project.
DAY 10 Tuesday, 28 October 2025
Hobart
Today we will visit two stores in North Hobart. Our first stop is at Quarter
Inch, the new home of Hugs ‘n Kisses – known all around the world
for over 15 years. They stock haberdashery supplies, threads, papers,
stabilizers, battings, findings and more. We will continue with a visit to
Frangipani Fabrics. Group members can shop for new fabrics or from
their wonderful range of preloved fabrics that have been sourced or
received as donations.
DAY 11 Wednesday, 29 October 2025 Launceston
We travel to Launceston today, stopping on the way for free time in the
town of Richmond, home to more than 50 historic buildings, mostly from
the 1820s. We will enjoy lunch at Frogmore Creek Winery, the largest,
ultra-premium, cool-climate winery in Southern Tasmania. After lunch, we
continue to Ross, renowned for its beautiful convict-built bridge. We will
visit the Wool Centre, which was established as a community center and
a retail space for all things related to wool. Late afternoon we check into
our Launceston hotel.
DAY 12 Thursday, 30 October 2025
Launceston
We travel to visit Ashgrove Cheese Dairy Door, an award-winning
paddock to plate dairy, which sells many well known cheese varieties.
The remainder of the day is free for individual shopping or exploration.
DAY 13 Friday, 31 October 2025
Launceston
This morning, we travel to Deloraine and visit The Quilters Corner. They
carry lots of patchwork fabric and also stock a variety of notions, batting,
pre-cuts, kits and patterns from leading Australian and International
designers. After lunch we visit Deloraine Creative Studios, a not-for-profit
organization that offers a unique experience for people to view artists
and craftspeople at work, creating handcrafted Tasmanian products and
works of art.
DAY 14 Saturday, 1 November 2025
Launceston
Today we enjoy exploring the Tasmanian Craft Fair. Michelle will point the
group in the direction of the most interesting sights.
DAY 15 Sunday, 2 November 2025
Launceston
Another day exploring the Craft Fair. This evening, we will enjoy a Farewell
Dinner to say farewell to Michelle and other tour members.
DAY 16 Monday, 3 November 2025
Departure
We travel to Launceston Airport late in the morning, where the tour
concludes. Please book flights that depart after 1.00pm.
| Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $6,595 | $8,345 |
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser. Tour arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed in brochure. All passengers must complete a Travelrite International booking form.
Tour Costs: The tour costs are based on general transport, entry, and accommodation costs. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 60 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payments: A non-refundable deposit of $700 per passenger is required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 62 days before departure for the Patchwork Tour of Victoria and Tasmania. Cancellation over 60 days before tour departs results in loss of deposit. Cancellation under 60 days before tour departs will result in a loss of all monies paid. Payment may be made by cheque or cash a 1.5% administration fee will be charged on payments made by credit cards.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is recommended to cover
the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers and Conditions:
The tour has
been priced based on a minimum number of passengers having
booked 60 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the right
to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer
arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost.
Tour Organisation: Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow
for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals,
airfare or other services not utilized after the tour has commenced.
Baggage:
Due to coach restrictions, tour members can only bring
one large suitcase, no more than 23kg.
Tour Participation:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibility: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organizer. Travelrite acts only as an agent in the making of arrangements for hotels, transportation, restaurants or any other service and does not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in the tour, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this tour and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour. This contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
Delays and Unforeseen Events: You engage Travelrite Inter national to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite International may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite International reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite International in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a non-refundable deposit of $700 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning:
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email sales@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a well-established travel company which has been operating in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for more than 40 years. It is fully ATAS accredited (No. A10538) and fully IATA credited and directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international tour and transport operators. Travelrite International has been operating special interest tours for over 40 years, and now runs over 120 tours a year. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Travel Industry Association – ATIA.
“The best Tour Manager I have ever had over all tour companies.”
“Michelle puts a huge amount of effort info making our trip as good as it can be. Wonderful!”
