Watergirl Quilt Co.
Gravitate Logo with tagline

The Partnership: Where Quilting Meets Travel

The partnership between Gravitate Travel and Watergirl Quilt Co. began through an unexpected shared passion. Gravitate founder Scott Waldron took up quilting as a hobby and, in the process, visited Watergirl Quilt Co., where he met owner Michelle Peters. It didn’t take long for the two to discover that they shared more than a love of quilting; they were also passionate about exploring the world. What started as conversations about fabric, patterns, and quilting techniques soon evolved into discussions about travel and the idea of creating unique experiences for fellow quilters.

Together, Scott and Michelle combined their expertise to launch quilting-focused group tours that blend travel, creativity, and community. Their first adventures, including quilting journeys to Alaska and Japan, proved to be an overwhelming success. Participants enjoyed not only breathtaking destinations and rich cultural experiences, but also the opportunity to connect with local textile traditions, quilting communities, and fellow enthusiasts who shared their passion.

The enthusiastic response to these tours confirmed what Scott and Michelle had envisioned from the beginning: quilting and travel are a natural fit. Inspired by that success, Gravitate Travel and Watergirl Quilt Co. have expanded their offerings to include even more exciting quilting experiences in extraordinary destinations around the world. With new tours and creative adventures on the horizon, the partnership continues to inspire quilters to explore, learn, and connect while discovering the world one stitch at a time.

Michelle Peters - Watergirl Quilt Co.

Michelle Peters

MICHELLE PETERS

Michelle grew up by the majestic St. Lawrence River in Brockville, Ontario. and continues to live there by the water.  As a child, she always looked forward to summers spent boating on the river and the annual visits to her extended families in L’Ardoise, Nova Scotia and Bay Bulls, Newfoundland. Hence, the name Watergirl Quilt Co.

Michelle was inspired to learn to quilt by her Nanny Williams who made crazy quilts embellished with herringbone stitching. Those quilts always were heavy as they were made of old clothing and whatever fabrics could be found around the home for repurposing. When Michelle was 18 years old, she signed up for a 3 month night course to learn how to quilt at St. Lawrence College.

After 24 years of being an elementary school teacher both in Canada and Japan, Michelle was compelled to follow her passion for quilting and to create her own family legacy. She started Watergirl Quilt Co. and now shares her passion for teaching by putting a focus on education in her business. She is proud to be a member of the Ottawa Modern Quilt Guild and the Thousand Islands Quilters' Guild.

Michelle also loves to do ballroom dancing with her hubby, Mr. Watergirl. Her other love is travelling so of course, the Watergirl has to host a quilting cruise! Michelle is excited to return to Japan again, with all of you.

Whether you quilt to feel joy, to heal from sadness, or to express your love for family and friends, Watergirl Quilt Co. is honoured to be part of your creative journey.

Scott Waldron

Scott Waldron, CTIE

Scott Waldron

Total countries travelled: 38+
Years in the travel business: 30
Favourite destination(s): Austria & Bhutan
Coolest trip ever planned: 2024 Formula 1, Monaco Grand Prix
Travel philosophy: Go with the flow
Travel advisor history: Senior Personal Experience Advisor for global firms to boutique travel planners offering arctic expeditions. Created custom tours and vacations in Europe, South America, Scandinavia, North America and beyond.
Ask him about: Working as a Cultural Ambassador at Walt Disney World at the start of his career
Favourite trip booked for a client: National Geographic & G Adventures Family Trip to Vietnam & Cambodia
Next bucket-list trip: Japan

Featured Quilting Tours

September 5 – 14, 2027

Field of vibrant red poppies in full bloom with sponsor logos including Quilts of Valour Canada, Watergirl Quilt Co., Globus, and Gravitate Travel—symbolizing remembrance, creativity, and travel partnerships. Tour is 95% Sold out.

Quilts of Valour Canada’s Tour of Remembrance

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Embark on a meaningful 9-night journey from Amsterdam to Paris on the very first Quilts of Valour Canada’s, Tour of Remembrance, honouring Canadian service members through powerful historical sites and cultural experiences. Visit iconic locations like Vimy Ridge, Juno Beach, and Tyne Cot Cemetery, enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam, and reflect during a special quilt presentation at Beaumont-Hamel.

Travel in comfort aboard a deluxe motorcoach, stay in superior first-class hotels, and enjoy curated meals and guided tours. This journey blends history, connection, and tribute—and we’re honoured to welcome General (retired) Rick Hillier as our special guest.

Extend your adventure with a 5-night optional tour to Strasbourg, France, timed with one of Europe’s top quilt festivals. Explore the charming La Petite France district, enjoy two full days at the festival, and return to Paris via high-speed rail. This extension is perfect for quilters, creatives, and cultural explorers.

Book now to travel with purpose and be part of this unforgettable experience.

Click below if you would like to register for the Tour of Remembrance from Amsterdam to Paris. You can add the optional Carrefour Européen extension as part of your registration, if you wish.

September 14 – 19, 2027

Circle of quilting patches with sponsor logos including Quilts of Valour Canada, Watergirl Quilt Co., Globus, and Gravitate Travel—Tour is 75% Sold out.

Carrefour Européen du Patchwork Quilting Festival – Strasbourg & Alsace, France

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A Bucket-List Experience for Quilting Enthusiasts

Join us in Strasbourg and the picturesque Alsace region of France for the world-renowned Carrefour Européen du Patchwork Quilting Festival from September 14-19, 2027.

Widely regarded as one of the most celebrated quilting festivals in the world, this extraordinary event transforms the charming villages of Alsace into a showcase of creativity, craftsmanship, and textile artistry.  Travel by high-speed rail from Paris and enjoy exploring remarkable quilt exhibitions, discovering new techniques, and sharing your passion with fellow quilting enthusiasts from around the world. 

With round-trip transfers, select meals, and a special farewell lunch included, this unforgettable experience combines world-class quilting with the beauty, culture, and hospitality of eastern France.

Click below to register for the Carrefour Européen du Patchwork Quilting Festival tour only. 

This option is for guests who are not joining the Amsterdam to Paris Tour of Remembrance.

August 2028

Waterfalls in Iceland with Watergirl Quilt Co. and Gravitate Travel logos

Stitching Together Something Extraordinary

Watergirl Quilt Co. and Gravitate Travel are quietly working on a new quilting adventure for August 2028, and while we’re not quite ready to reveal all the details, we wanted to offer a glimpse of what’s being planned.

Imagine dramatic coastlines, colourful seaside communities, towering icebergs, volcanic landscapes, and unforgettable days at sea aboard Celebrity Summit as we explore some of the world’s most fascinating northern destinations.

This exciting journey is expected to combine the spirit of travel with the creativity and camaraderie that so many quilters enjoy. We’re also exploring additional quilting experiences that may take place before, during, and after the voyage, along with a few special surprises that we’re not quite ready to announce.

And if everything comes together as planned, we may even be joined by a familiar face from the quilting world.

While the full itinerary and program details are still being finalized, this is already shaping up to be a memorable experience for travellers who love quilting, learning, and exploring new places.

Be the First to Know

If this sounds like the kind of journey you’d enjoy, we invite you to join our priority notification list below.

The itinerary is still unfolding. The adventure is already beginning. Stay tuned.

Join the Watergirl Quilting Travel Update List

Join our Quilting Travel Update List and stay connected as new quilting tours, festivals, workshops, and textile experiences are announced. We’re always searching for inspiring destinations to bring together our shared love of quilting and travel.

Have a quilting destination or event on your bucket list? Let Michelle know. Some of our best tour ideas come from fellow quilters, and your suggestion could become our next adventure.

Sign up below for updates and future quilting travel opportunities.

About Watergirl Quilt Co.

Watergirl Quilt Co., located in Prescott, Ontario, is a destination quilt shop founded by passionate quilter and entrepreneur Michelle Peters. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, carefully curated selection of fabrics, patterns, and quilting supplies, Watergirl Quilt Co. has become a gathering place for quilting enthusiasts from across the region. More than just a quilt shop, it is a vibrant community where creativity, craftsmanship, and friendship come together.

About Gravitate Travel

Gravitate Travel is an award-winning, full-service travel agency based in Kemptville, Ontario, dedicated to creating meaningful travel experiences for clients around the world. With a team of experienced travel professionals, Gravitate Travel specializes in everything from luxury vacations and river cruises to escorted group tours and personalized travel planning. Their philosophy is simple: travel has the power to connect people, inspire new perspectives, and create lifelong memories.