We are re-opening on 16th June – Yippee!

Well, it is almost three months since I shut the doors of the shop and it has been very quiet here ever since. There is a buzz that we get from working in the shop, especially when we have a class or sit n sew, that just makes you feel happy. I’ve really missed that.

I’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ for your amazing support during lockdown. Many of you sent messages and cards of support and that meant so much. Those of you who continued to shop here using our mail order service have kept the shop alive and I can’t thank you enough. I love this little shop and I’m so pleased that it has survived the dreaded COVID. This shop runs on creativity, chat and cake and it’s time to get all of those back in here so I’m delighted to say that I will be re-opening next Tuesday, 16th June. 

So, I know that you are all itching to come back but, I must ask you first to read this newsletter so that you know what to expect when you visit. I’m trying to keep things as normal as possible, but there are inevitable changes. Thank you for your support and patience as we re-open and get to grips with this new way of working. We want you to enjoy your visit in a safe way and my priority is to protect the health of my customers and my staff. Please don’t take offence at any of the new rules – they are all based on the current government guidance for retailers. If you see something that you don’t agree with then please do let me know. We are learning as we go along.

Stay safe and we look forward to welcoming you back to the shop soon.

BEFORE YOUR VISIT   Please note the new opening hours. They are restricted to Tues & Wed 1pm to 4pm  Thurs, Fri & Sat 10am to 4pm. No appointment necessary. The shop will be open to all.  Please come alone unless you require assistance. We can only allow 2 customers in the shop at a time. If you need to bring your children, please keep them with you and try not to let them touch the products.  At busy times, we will have to limit each visit to 30 minutes. Therefore, it can help you if you plan your visit in advance. Look at the website and browse our fabrics to get some ideas before visiting. Try to work out your calculations before you visit. Of course, I will help you if I can but, this might be difficult at busy times. If you are unwell, please do not visit. We will still provide our mail order service so you can still call & collect or have items posted to you.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE   We may need to ask you to wait outside during busy time, as we can only allow 2 customers in at a time. There is no entry via the back door. Hand sanitiser is provided on the table just inside the door. Please use it as you enter. If you want to wear a face mask then please do so. The evidence suggests that they can help protect others if you are infected. Our staff will not be wearing masks. Please follow the one-way system – signs will lead you around the shop. Our commitment to you is that the shop will be cleaned regularly. The frequently used areas of the shop will be disinfected regularly. We will wash our hands and use hand sanitiser frequently.

DURING YOUR VISIT   We know that you love fabric but please try not to touch too much. Thank you. Please use the hand sanitiser available at the front door and in the centre of the shop. This is more effective than gloves. The classroom is closed. There are no classes or Sit n Sews at the shop this summer. We will notify you when we know that classes can re-start. Please maintain a safe distance from staff and other customers. When we are helping you choose fabrics, we will stand sideways on to you, rather than face to face. We are not being rude, we are just trying to reduce the risk of infection. We have installed a Perspex screen on the counter. Please try to pay by card instead of cash. We can accept contactless payment up to the new limit of £45.  Finally, please do enjoy your visit, show us what you have been making, tell us all your news and share your creativity with us – we have missed you.

WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO…   I have restocked the wadding, threads and as many of the fabrics as I can. There is still a nationwide shortage of navy and black fabric but I will get it as soon as I can. I have some elastic but it has also been hard to supply. During lockdown I have received the following ranges from Moda: Regency Romance by Christopher Wilson-Tate Lancaster by Jo Morton Le Beau Papillon by French General Nancy’s Needle by Betsy Chutchian All of these fabrics are on the website. Resistance is futile!