May 25, 2020 4 min read 66 Comments

 

We're always craving more connection, right?

 

Especially lately, with social distancing and not being able to do the things we want to go and do instantly. 

 

To ensure a bit more connection, I thought it would be best to write to you from my comfy couch to share exciting changes and things that will be happening at the Norton House. 

 

Before opening the Norton House doors officially last Friday, Beckie and I (Emily) adapted to the drastic changes of COVID19's demands. 

 

Here's a little peek into the world of Emily and Beckie while we're under mandatory lockdown.

 

First off… We missed you, our people! It was insanely bittersweet locking the doors, knowing we couldn't have anyone in the shop, and we had no date of return. Keeping safe was and will always be our priority.  

 

A positive side was that we had a blast with 10-Day's of Quilting while Quarantined (which now formed into Super Sale Sunday's - email delivered to your inbox at 10 am). The 10-Day's we're full of fun and excitement, seeing what everyone chose to purchase. Not to mention it on the last day, Beckie and I couldn't stop giggling about how to pack the fudge safety in the boxes full of fabric and more. 

 

In addition to ordering online, we also offered almost daily curbside pickup. It was fun to receive phone or email orders to get then merchandise ready and then set the brown paper bags outside to keep peeking out the window and wave at the people as they picked up their packages. 

  

We continued to have fabric shipments and re-stocked sold items arrive from our distributors. I think I drove Beckie nuts with new fabric showing up, but I knew when we re-opened, I didn't want the store to be bare for you. We didn't cancel any further fabric shipments. 

 

 

Beckie and I delighted in setting our work hours! 

 

I was up at five-ish working at my computer while on my comfy couch with warm coffee next to me. Plus, I had on my Grandma's ott-lite shinning next to me so I wouldn't strain my eyes. 

 

My little people woke at about 6 am to start their morning of breakfast then schoolwork. I would then eat breakfast with them and join them at the kitchen table to continue to work and help them with their schooling when needed. 

 

At about 1 pm or so, I would call my day complete, and they would be done with their online education too, and then we would goof-off. We would go for long bike rides around town or in the woods. Or they would play Minecraft, and I would enjoy sewing masks or other sewing projects. 

  

Beckie appreciated setting her hours too while being in the shop and working around her kiddo's homeschooling needs. She would text me when she unlocked the Norton House door and then would start to pack mail orders, answered the phone messages to get curbside orders ready for or people to pick up outside on the wooden table. Plus, when boxes arrive, she would unpack them, send me a list of the newest items and more. 

 

Our teamwork worked so incredibly well. Everyone needs a Beckie in their life!

 

By the way! Thank you for keeping us busy! 

 

While we were closed to the public, we have many memorable moments to share with you at some point. Some will make you laugh, and others will have you wondering whattttttt? (I'll write a blog post soon about the shocking, unbelievable moments while being locked down without names, of course.) 

 

My biggest takeaway, while being quarantined, was the ability to connect and spend extra time with my family. I cherished it so much. I crave more of it, which is why we're changing our open store hours. 

 

We'll continue to be open daily. However, the afternoon closing times have changed slightly. 

 

Monday: 10 am to 3 pm

Tuesday: 10 am to 3 pm

Wednesday: 10 am to 3 pm

Thursday: 10 am to 4 pm

Friday: 10 am to 4 pm

Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm

Sunday: 10 am to 3 pm

 

We will continue to provide excellent customer service you've come to expect from us. 

 

Please note our change in open hours. 

 

We look forward to seeing you in-store soon and packing your orders! Be on the lookout in our newest products because I've got TONS of new fabrics and patterns to add online! 

 

We also have exciting updates with the following upcoming events: 

 

  • 1st Saturday Club
  • Mystery Block of the Month with Chocolates
  • Super Sale Sunday email arriving in your inbox at 10 am
  • Facebook Live has moved to Friday’s at noon
  • Row by Row Experience
  • October Quilt and Craft Show held a Memorial Hall in Wilmington
  • and so much more! 

 

We'll be in touch soon about the upcoming events, but now enjoy spending time with your people and reaching out to people you haven't checked on in a while and keep sewing! 

 

Please share what you've been creating on our Quilting your Legacy Monthly Challenge Facebook page. I firmly believe we could all use a little bit more inspiration. 


Responses

Leave a comment