Road Games

(Or, how two Q-Bies amuse themselves while slogging across Texas toward their Albuquerque home, after several days of action-packed Quilt Market.)

Maybe it was the hypnotizing, lunar-like landscape west of Fort Stockton. Or the fact that we ran out of Market chatter outside San Antonio, right about where radio signals fade. (Or the fact that we forgot to pack books-on-CD and music CDs.) But entertainment was in mighty short supply when bestie and GenQ show staffer Bev Mabry and I made our way back home to the Duke City after the recent Fall Quilt Market in Houston. We’re talking grim, people.

Until we had this idea–What would a bar dedicated to quilters and sewists be like? Fantasy made a few miles spin just a little faster. Here’s what we came up with:

If styled after those quaint British pub signs, our bar’s sign might have a needle and thread, and the words “The Potted Sewist.”  Or we might ditch quaint and go for pithy, like “The Bee.” Yeah, that’s it.

Of course, The Bee would have all the usual bar/lounge trappings, but with a few extras to entice quilters, including full lines of fabric from all the latest designers, TVs playing DVDs featuring quilty celebs and a sound system blasting great tunes, including David Butler’s Black Owls.

The bar would have a compelling domestic wine list with vintages from both well known and indie winemakers, a deep single-malt line-up for us quilters who like an occasional wee dram, the best margaritas in three counties, and a selection of custom craft beers. And don’t forget Happy Hour! The Bee would have a nightly Happy Hour Special where each drink order includes a FQ of your choice.

The snack menu would include locally grown veggies and fruits, artisanal cheeses, small-batch whole-grain crackers and seasonal gourmet chocolates. (Pumpkin truffles, anyone?) And if you wanted a bit more to chew, ask about the excellent made-to-order sandwiches.

There would be a designated cutting station for those quilters who want to sip and sew, but it’ll have a two-drink limit, after which you’ll have to check your rotary cutter. And steel-mesh protective gloves are a must. (Safety first, natch!)

Instead of dart boards, we’d have several design walls, where patrons could work on projects, or perhaps indulge in a little improv smackdown, complete with crowds watching and offering advice (most of it probably unwanted).

The viewing gallery would feature rotating quilt shows and the occasional trunk show from trendy pattern designers. And the test drive corner would offer guests a chance to try out the newest notions and gadgets at no charge.

A meeting room opening off the main lounge would give plenty of space for mini-group get-togethers or classes on various subjects, including how to pair different wines and fabrics. (Hmm, what goes with Alexander Henry hunks? Would that be a robust Chardonnay or a full-bodied Zin?)

And tucked way back in an alcove, there’d be a full-service salon and spa, specializing in hand and foot massage for the weary stitcher who’s sewn just a bit too much. (It happens.)

Sigh. Nice dream, isn’t it? Market—and a long road trip–will do that to you.

And speaking of Market, we’re finalizing our coverage to share with you next week. We’ll spill about all the news, upcoming fabric lines, nifty notions and people we enjoyed seeing last week in Houston.

Meanwhile, why don’t you join us in our fantasy, and tell us what would be in your ultimate quilty bar/lounge?