The Bus Trip

Last Monday, August 24, 47 of us went on an all day bus trip to Seattle. The bus left at 7 AM and everyone was on time and in their seats with their nametags on and purple Attic Window bags in tow. One of our employees made delicious homemade scone for all to enjoy. We played games where everyone ended up with a pattern along the way and Martha was our voice on the microphone. Our first stop was to Clothworks, http://www.clothworkstextiles.com, where we had the delightful opportunity to meet one of their designers, Barbara Tourtillotte, http://www.turtlecrossings.com. She shared with us the process they go through deciding on her design, her expansion of the line and then explaining to us how it ends up on the fabric. She was so lovely and graciously gave us two HUGE gift baskets filled with home decor items that she also sells with her designs. The president of the company showed us a slide show of how the fabric is printed in either Japan or Korea. They treated us like royalty and we all had such a good time. As we boarded the bus our box lunches arrived which made our trip to Martingale fly by. With our tummy full of a great lunch we got off the bus at Martingale, http://www.martingale-pub.com/, to tour their offices. Oh my gosh there were quilts everywhere. A guide took us to each and every quit and gave us some history behind the designer and what book it came from. Then we proceeded to their book store, a book store where the books are considered seconds - EVERY BOOK WAS $5!!!!! It was hard not to buy one of everything and bring them home as gifts for friends and family. I reined myself in and only bought 8. They are all at Office Depot being spiral bound (did you know you can do that with your quilt books or any book for that matter and it costs under $4?). From their we drove to Ste. Michelle Winery, http://www.ste-michelle.com/. It was the perfect place to go and relax before the bus ride home. Several people went on the wine tour, the group I was with sat out in the shade at a little bistro table and we were joined by two peacocks and two ducks that were roaming from group to group. On the trip home we broke down the gift baskets from Barbara Tourtillotte and everyone got something. It was a delightful day had by all. The shop is already planning their next fun excursion....