A lot of Metro Vancouver residents are getting crafty during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Gastown's Dressew has been in business for over 60 years. The family-owned fabric and sewing accessory shop, located on West Hastings Street, has seen its share of ups and downs over the years, but nothing quite like a global pandemic.
Despite COVID-19, sales are still booming as restrictions on social gatherings over the last year have motivated many to broaden their arts and crafts skills or spruce up the homestead.
Not surprisingly, purchases of fabric used for homemade masks have been surging as well.
"Probably in the first few months, 80 percent of our sales were materials for making masks," says president David McKie.
The supply store has undergone a few recent changes; they've moved a lot of sales online (Dressew created its first website last spring) and in-store shopping hours have been adjusted.
Plans are even underway to begin shipping to customers throughout the province very soon.
Although it's been a challenging year for the beloved local business, McKie says closing permanently was never an option.
"I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I didn't have Dressew. I always say there's never the same day twice here."
