Why I Won't Be Hosting MPB Day This Summer

Readers, I'm guessing this will come as no surprise.

When I look at photos of MPB Days past, I realize that holding this event this summer would be challenging on many different levels.  For example:

1) The FIT Museum is currently closed and it's not clear when it might reopen.

2) Restaurants are open for outdoor dining only and few eateries have more than a handful of outdoor tables available (if they have any at all).

3) Large groups, even masked, are not encouraged unless strict social distancing is maintained.  I think that's a lot to ask and not very practical (or fun).

4) Travel also has its risks, particularly on airplanes.  Many people from out of town would not be able to attend, along with anyone with health concerns or who might be living with an elder, like I do.

I haven't traveled to the Garment District since March but my understanding is that many fabric stores have reopened albeit with reduced hours.  Certainly those that sell online like Mood, Fabrics & Fabrics, B&J, Elliott Berman, and Metro Textiles are open for business virtually.  I hope you will consider supporting them in what are certainly trying times for small, independent businesses.

At Metro Textiles.  Funny, the things we took for granted not so very long ago.

So far, everyone in my family continues to be healthy but we are not socializing with others.  This is achievable for us since we're homebodies anyway and none of us works outside the apartment.  We go out to get exercise, walk the dogs, and do some local food shopping (though we get the bulk of our food delivered) but that's about it.  I feel fortunate that in New York City the worst seems to be behind us but who knows what the next few months might bring.  I'm optimistic by nature but this situation is going to be hard on the city for a long time.

All that said, the summer has, so far, been beautiful.  The city is relatively quiet, most people wear masks, and New York continues to be a lovely place to be.  A city is more than its attractions: it's its people, its spirit, and its synergy.  These continue as before, if in ways that are perhaps less immediately apparent.

I am truly grateful that we were able to celebrate MPB Day last March and I'm confident we'll be celebrating again.

I hope you are healthy and happy and don't forget to keep sewing!

PS -- As always, you can check out my latest projects on Instagram, where I post daily.