MPB Day 2016 -- HEAT, HUMIDITY, HULA HOOPS!

Readers, yesterday's sixth annual MPB Day summer event was a hot hit!

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.

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!

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!

Amanda, Carol, Anna C., Delphine, and Roberta.

Mary, Susan D., and Jean.  Jean was in my tailoring class at FIT.

Smiley Syreeta!

Anna, Brenda, Rikki, and Mimi.

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.

Anna and some cool pattern-printed fabric at NY Elegant Fabrics.

Mother-to-be Delphine at NY Elegant Fabrics.

Claire works the lace trim at Paron's.

Kyle made not only her stretch lace dress but also her leather bag!

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.

Glamorous Tomasa caressing her fabulous fabric find.