TEXTILES.ORG
The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) held its annual Marine Fabricators Conference Jan. 8–10, 2026, in Savannah, Ga. After the first day of sessions and a shop tour, the association hosted its annual welcome party with a costume contest in the Harborside ballroom, with a lovely view of the river, at the Hyatt Regency.
Attendees were highly encouraged to dress up within the theme of “Onesies.” Costumes ranged from cozy and casual to elaborate and handmade. Sunbrella® sponsored the party and provided sleep masks to attendees.
Partygoers voted on their favorite costumes, and winners were awarded prizes. Due to a voting tie, the third-place winner was determined by a dance-off.
First place won 20 yards of MarineTyte from The Miami Corporation; second place won PremoBond Polyester thread in white and black and 1 gross of pre-wound bobbins (with the winner selecting the thread and bobbin size) from Fil-Tec; and third place won an Engel Hot Knife and Blade from Bainbridge International.
The first through third place winners were:
- Joni and Daymon Johnstone, Lakeside Marine Canvas, wearing flamingo onesies
- Stephen and Nicole Sawyer, Signature CanvasMakers LLC, wearing astronaut and alien onesies
- Tina Heaston, NautiLoft Custom Canvas LLC, wearing a Bullseye onesie with Velcro® balls attendees could throw at the onesie
The MFA announced the 2027 costume contest theme at their annual Excellence Awards dinner on the final night of the conference: Music Legends. This will fit well with the location for the 2027 conference, which will be held in Nashville, Tenn. Conference registration will open in the summer.
