COVID-19 Update

I have been sitting here watching the situation unfold locally, across Ontario, and even across the world. Now that the first case of COVID-19 in Whitby, and 6 more cases than the original 2 within Durham Region, have been confirmed; and after taking into account measures being implemented by the Town of Whitby, Durham Region, and the City of Toronto, as well as considering the recommendations of doctors putting out their opinions about the prevention of the spread of the virus, I have decided it would be best if we close our doors to the public, at least until April 6th, 2020.

Approaching April 6th, I will re-evaluate the situation at that time and determine if we need to remain closed for longer, or if it is beginning to be safe to open up again.

However, I do not wish to stop serving you. I know that many of you will be turning to your knitting, crochet and other fibre arts projects now more than ever both for comfort, and to keep the boredom at bay, as you self-isolate. I know you will be needing supplies, materials and inspiration to keep you going. So, while our doors are closed to general walk-ins, what this all means is the following:

• For the time being, the shop will be available by appointment only. If you need to browse for your supplies, I will accomodate by arranging to meet you at the shop between the hours of 12 and 5pm any day from Tuesday to Saturday. When multiple visitors are expected in one day, I will disinfect any high-touch surfaces after each visit to ensure the safety of our guests.
  
  
• If you require supplies but do not wish to enter the shop, I am happy to provide scheduled, curbside pickup for your online, social media or email orders; free delivery to residents of the Town of Whitby; $5 delivery to residents within Durham Region whom do not live in Whitby; and our regular shipping rates to everyone else (including free shipping on orders $80+ before tax, to Canada and the U.S.A.).
  
  
• All socials are currently cancelled.
  
  
• Any group classes or private lessons currently in session, or scheduled, will be postponed. Please bear with us as we determine dates all of us feel comfortable with re-emerging to after the infection curve has flattened.
  
  
• Our National Crochet Month crochet-along will move online for the remainder of the month (be sure to join our Facebook Group to get video help as we progress through the shawl together).

I encourage you to join our Facebook Group, to stay connected with one another, get help, and share your work during this otherwise isolating time.

We are looking at other ways to continue to provide insight and value to you as your work through your stashes, and keep busy while we wait for this, too, to pass.

I just want to take a moment to thank you all for your continued support during this time of uncertainty. None of us really knows what tomorrow will bring, but together, we will make it through - particularly by taking the outbreak seriously, and practising the social distancing that so many authorities out there are urging us to. The most important thing is to keep a calm, clear head, and focus on the things that bring us joy. I know that for me, those things include my healthy family, working on my fibre projects, and bringing you all the quality yarn, tools, threads and other supplies you need to bring your projects to life.

Wishing you all health and creativity,
Christina
Owner at Artisanthropy Fibre Arts