BONNIE HUNTER

Bonnie K Hunter is passionate about quilt quilting, focusing mainly on scrap quilts with the simple feeling of “making do”. She started her love affair with quilting in a home economics class her senior year of high school in 1980 and has never looked back. Before quilting became her full time career, Bonnie was the owner and designer of ""Needle in a Haystack!", creating more than 70 patterns for dolls and stuffed animals with a country primitive feel.

Many of her designs were licensed through the Butterick Pattern Company, translated into 7 languages and sold around the globe through fabric stores. But quilting has always been Bonnie’s first love. She has been machine quilting since 1989 and professionally long arm quilting for the public since 1995, retiring in 2009 when she no longer had the time due to her teaching, traveling and writing schedule. She has been featured in magazines both for her quilt patterns and articles she has written on scrap management and using that stash to its full potential.

Bonnie received the 2012 “Teacher of the Year” award through a global internet poll hosted via Sew Cal Gal, and was completely flabbergasted, not to mention honored and humbled at the same time.

Dedicated to continuing the traditions of quilting, Bonnie enjoys meeting with quilters, teaching workshops and lecturing to quilt guilds all over the world, challenging quilters to break the rules, think outside the box, and find what brings them joy.

When not traveling and teaching, she spends her time piecing scrap quilts, enjoying the peaceful reward of English paper piecing and hand quilting as much as machine work, and loving life in her wooded surroundings in beautiful rural Wallburg, North Carolina, a suburb of Winston-Salem. She and her husband, Dave are the proud parents of two grown sons, Jason, and Jeffrey. They round out their household with Sadie the dog and two cats –Emmy Lou, who loves life inside only, and Chloe who only loves life on the outside—keeping Bonnie company while she designs, quilts and plays happily with her fabric.

Bonnie also writes a regular column for Quiltmaker Magazine entitled "Addicted to Scraps" with the main intention to help you to put various aspects of your own Scrap Users System to good use!

Bonnie’s favorite motto? “The Best Things in Life are Quilted!!” of course!

Stella Bouldin, Lafaytte, OR- "My last trip with Craftours was in 2007 to Egypt. I enjoyed traveling with the small group and the great guides we had."

Pat Christenson, Kirkland, WA - "I enjoyed this tour very much. I have been fascinated by Ancient Egypt for as long as I can remember, so finally going there and walking in the footsteps of the people that I have admired for so long was a dream come true. Modern Egypt was very eye opening also."

Leslie Gordon, Neskowin, OR - "This tour completely exceeded my expectations. Mohamed, our tour guide was the best guide I have ever had for any tour. Our accommodations, both hotel and boat were excellent, both the room and the food. I found the Egyptian people to be very honest, friendly and accommodating. I also felt safer, even in Cairo, as I often do in the US. I walked by myself in the morning along the Nile and felt completely safe. The places we were taken were all excellent and some would not be on any other tour, especially the Tent Makers of Cairo who are amazing quilt makers."

Roberta Allen, Oceanside, CA - "This was an incredible tour! The small group added to the experience. Having lunch across from the Sphinx to sailing on a boat to Abu Simbel...each experience on this tour was outstanding and so memorable. I highly recommend this tour, it’s a must on your bucket list!"

Magdalena Muller, Cornelius, NC - "Egypt has always intrigued me. I admired their art very much. When Craftours offered a trip to Egypt, I jumped on it right away along with my friend. Seeing all the ancient treasures was a marvel forme! We had an excellent tour guide, Mo, who you could tell loves his country and knows it very well. He was more than happy to share his love and knowledge of Egypt. I am so happy I got the opportunity to see Egypt."

Nancy Nelson-Kremer, Brandon, SD - "Fantastic tour where we learned about the history while seeing it in person."

Carol Dunn, Salem, WI - “This was the most amazing tour. I saw and learned so much. Mohammed was amazing in his knowledge of his country and the wonderful Treasures of Egypt.”

Avis LaFayette, Brooksville, FL - “This is definitely the trip to take if you are interested in the history of Egypt and how it relates to the modern world. Pictures don't do justice to the pyramids, temples, etc. Seeing them in person takes your breath away. Our local guide, Mo, was an expert in Egypt which made the experience that much more enjoyable. Heike, the Craftours guide was very helpful and knowledgeable about traveling in this part of the world. As usual, the accommodations were wonderful and the Nile Cruise a highlight of the trip.”

Sunset Regall, Santa Fe, NM - “This trip far exceeded my expectations!! Throughout the entire tour, we were well cared for in accommodations, transportation, education, and all meals! Between Heike and Mohammed, I felt safe and enjoyed every minute of my tour. I would definitely take this exact tour again and it would have to be with Mohammed and Heike! Mohammed made what we were seeing understandable and recognizable. His passion for Egyptian history made it come alive through his storytelling and explanations. I really appreciate his expertise and feel super lucky to have had him for our guide!!”

Kathy Durance, Sooke, BC - “One of those “bucket list” trips. So important to go & see & experience new cultures.”

Zerelda Butler, Powder Springs, GA - “This was the most beautifully planned and executed tour that I have ever taken. Yes, it was hot, and yes, it was a lot of walking, but it was worth every step. I learned so much about Egypt, and I can't wait to return!”

Betsy Martinson, Denver, CO - “This was an amazing adventure that explored not only the historical landscape, but delved into the modern man-made developments and consequences. I learned so much about the culture, the art, and life along the Nile. Highly recommend it!”

Barry Basiliere, San Antonio, TX - “The itinerary, accommodations and guides were exceptional.”

Holly Haack, West Hollywood, CA - “Trip of a lifetime!”