Readers, yesterday's sixth annual MPB Day summer event was a
Despite the toaster-oven temperatures and steam room humidity, we had an excellent turnout and nobody died. The heat index hit 103 degrees -- a new record for MPB Day. Did I mention it was hot?
Still, a few of us managed to squeeze in a little extra exercise during the day, as visiting Virginian James M. brought his hula hoop. Naturally, I had to give it a go.
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| Baby's still got it! |
Another first: we had three Annas and three Michaels in attendance in a group of nearly 40. How crazy is that?
Here's a rundown of the day:
At 9:30, I met a small group of patently perspiring early-birds to visit the nearby Chelsea Flea Market. So many treasures to be had!
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| James, Anna, Lisa, and Tracy, and I visited the flea market. It was already very HOT! |
At 11, we met the larger group at the FIT museum, where we saw the inspiring "Uniformity" exhibit. Naturally, nearly everyone was dressed in outfits they'd made themselves -- an MPB Day tradition!
Next up, lunch at Panera's and an excellent pattern swap!
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| Amanda, Carol, Anna C., Delphine, and Roberta. |
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| Mary, Susan D., and Jean. Jean was in my tailoring class at FIT. |
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| Smiley Syreeta! |
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| Anna, Brenda, Rikki, and Mimi. |
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| Michael made this fabulous "Home Sewing is Easy" tote bag (as well as his shirt). |
After lunch, we hit the Garment District. I led a group up to 39th St. and some of the smaller fabric stores there; Tomasa and Kyle took a group to Mood as well as a number of notions stores. One highlight for me was New York Elegant Fabrics on 40th St. I'd never been there before! We also hit Sil Thread, Paron's, Pacific Trim, and Chic Fabrics, among other Garment Center gems.
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| Anna and some cool pattern-printed fabric at NY Elegant Fabrics. |
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| Mother-to-be Delphine at NY Elegant Fabrics. |
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| Claire works the lace trim at Paron's. |
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| Kyle made not only her stretch lace dress but also her leather bag! |
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| Maybe a jumpsuit? |
Three hours later -- a blur of fabric-pawing and sweaty picture-posing -- we found ourselves cooling off in a shady, breezy corner of Bryant Park, where we shared our purchases and chatted till about 6 pm. Then, alas, we said our good-byes till next MPB Day -- already scheduled for Saturday, August 12, 2017 -- save the date!
In closing, I'd like to thank all my new best friends, James, Carol, Lisa, Kate, Joanne, Mary, Tamsin (and family), Trudi, Nick, Brenda, Rikki, Amanda, Roberta, Kyle, Michael T., Ron, Claire, Michael K., Michael H., Rhode, Jodi, Milan, Susan F., Susan D., Lenore, Emily, Peggy, Mimi, Anna H., Anna C., Francine, Jean, Delphine, Tracy, Syreeta, Anna R., and Tomasa. You're all the best.
You can see more photos of the day here.
Read Brenda's take on her blog, Louisville Sewing Adventures, here.
Tracy shares her experience on her blog, Duck Bucket Sewing, here.
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| Glamorous Tomasa caressing her fabulous fabric find. |
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WOW!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank-you for sharing with us out-of-towners.
It's always a treat to see the fun and frivolity, and of course, the faces!
As I say every year, you all look like you're having a blast -- even that NYC is a blast furnace this year. Thank you for the pictures and I wish I could have attended.
ReplyDeleteHaving MPB Day envy. Time to launch internationally. I vote for 10th MPB Day in Australia with the crew - Michael, Sonia, Mary Porter, Cathy.
ReplyDeleteSpud.
No way...UK next year:-)
DeleteI'm up for that!
DeletePeter, you're the hoopiest! Thanks again for hosting -- I had a great time.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I need Tomasa's fabric and I completely forgot to check out Kyle's bag in person -- amazing work!
(Also also I love the pattern piece fabric. That's hilarious.)
So glad every one had a nice day and survived the weather. I LOVE seeing all the fabric purchases. While I was unable to attend MPB Day , I had to settle for the 4-H fabric sale in Creamery , Pa. A large amount of donated fabric, notions and patterns. Lots of fun but not quite the same.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes,
Gail
Thanks for sharing this lovely report of the day, looks like a great day! A lot of tips, if I ever visit NY again, I will definitely check your postings again to find the best fabric shops. I have good memories of Bryant Park: there's a fabulous Japanese shop who sells a lot of my favorite Japanese (quilting) magazines :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat brave souls for braving the mean streets during the heat wave!!
ReplyDeleteMPB2017 is in my calendar. Let's all make offerings for a milder day next year (each of us make a burnt offering of our most precious fabric? Heavens!)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry I missed it but glad you all survived the heat! That looks like the neatest pattern swap table yet =)
ReplyDeleteWell, I think we gave new meaning to, “there’ll be a hot time in the old town tonight.” This was my SIXTH MPB Day, and as usual, I had a great time! Thank you, Peter, for hosting another amazing day, despite the sweltering heat. You attract the nicest people! It was great meet new people, as well as to see some repeat offenders. I plan to be there next year!
ReplyDeleteGreat chatting with you again! See you next year.
DeleteI hated to miss it, but maybe it was a blessing in disguise. You probably would have been calling 911 somewhere on 7th Ave, with me passed out on the sidewalk. I'm hoping there'll be a repeat of the "winter frolic". As always, thanks for all you do!
ReplyDeleteCount me in on the winter gathering also! LOL!!
DeleteIt was such a fun day Peter. Thanks so much for organizing it! I didn't feel too glamorous in that sweltering heat but thank you :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the pictures; I am SO jealous!! I have 2 options for buying fabric in my small Montana town, so purchase most of it online. How I would love to spend a day (or 10) looking at all that glorious fabric! Peter, you are a blessing to so many who share our love of sewing and beautiful materials.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. That is very kind of you to say.
DeleteI've been a background lurker of your blog for a few months now. I guess I'm gonna have to step in and make some noise now so I can join you on this adventure next year :) I've always wanted to visit a "fashion district" somewhere.....Located near Rochester, NY, we don't have anything like that in our city. But NYC is a trip I'm so down to plan! I have heard so many great things about the fashion district in NYC. I drove through NYC once, a few years ago which was unplanned. We were visiting family on Long Island, and my fiance decided we should visit a bakery that was only 20 mins away. An hour and a half later, we finally got there. It was a surprise hitting the city in the car with the kids in the back seat. I lost track of how many tunnels we raced thru, lol. Anyway, now I have an official reason to come next year.... Cuz this amazing blogger said so!!
ReplyDeleteI felt so incredibly happy on Saturday. I had a blast! As always, thank you for bringing the sewing community together in this way.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for organizing Peter, I truly had a great time!! See you next time (most likely with a baby in tow)!!
ReplyDeleteHi Peter, thank you so much for organising. My fabric is washed and ready to go, although I am wishing that I had bought a couple of others as well! I had great fun chatting with people and my family enjoyed meeting everyone too. I don't think I have ever been that hot though, I was definately wilting by the end of the day!
ReplyDeleteWill there ever be a MPD Day West Coast Edition?
ReplyDeleteI have heard San Francisco has a good fabric district, but I'm guessing that may be every state has at least one good "fabric district".
There have definitely been meet-ups in the bay area. I've seen the photos! ;)
DeleteIs there a date set yet for MPB day this year? I've just booked to be in NYC from August 18-30, so I'm really hoping I won't miss out!
ReplyDeleteIt's August 12th, Jen.
Delete