What makes a gift perfect? We believe it’s the story behind it.

At SKU, we’ve always believed that simplicity is never simple—true staples are built on a deep respect for detail, material, and history. We stay humble in our work and never claim perfection. But when we met Erin Pollard of Underwater Weaving Studio, we felt we might just make an unexpected—yet perfect—pairing this holiday season.

Since welcoming Underwater Weaving’s handmade baskets into our shops, we’ve been inspired by their process. Crafted by Erin, her mother, and a growing community of artisans in Maine, these baskets have become modern essentials—and cherished heirlooms. Their signature piece, The Perfect Tote, reflects the same rigor and intention we bring to our clothing: a solid bottom so keys never slip through, a lightweight unisex shape, and a firm “no laptops” rule—because sometimes, the greatest gift is the invitation to unplug.

The Search for the Holy Grail Tee

But our connection goes deeper than mutual appreciation. For years, Erin and her husband (a true t-shirt connoisseur!) hunted for the "holy grail" of tees. He hoarded vintage J.Crew shirts, chasing a specific weight, texture, and feel that seemed lost to time, and she… secretly borrowed them from his closet! 

When Erin discovered SKU, the puzzle pieces clicked into place. Our founder, David, worked alongside Mickey Drexler during those golden years at J.Crew. The specific quality Erin’s husband had been chasing wasn't gone; it was right here at SKU. As Erin put it, “We found the perfect t-shirt to put inside our Perfect Tote. It’s the gift he’s been searching for all this time!”

Join Us for a Love Local Holiday Event

Thursday, December 11, we invite you to a handcrafted holiday pop-in hosted by SKU and Erin Pollard of Underwater Weaving Studio. We are bringing together two obsessive pursuits of craftsmanship: the American basket and the American t-shirt, along with other curated local gifts!

The Perfect Tote is rugged yet refined, featuring a solid wood bottom and a design that explicitly forbids laptops. It is a vessel built for life, not just work.

The Perfect Tee 100% Supima All American Cotton Crew Necks in multiple colors, Spun, Knit, Cut & Sewn, Dyed, and Finished in the USA.

The Event: The ultimate Gift Basket for Him (The Perfect Tote filled with SKU Supima Tees) with your own handmade mistletoe for a personal touch! 

• Sip: Hot mulled cider presented by Officina 1397, sourced from Samascott, a family-owned orchard in the Hudson Valley

• Make: Create your own mistletoe arrangement 

• Shop: Discover gifts that carry a story

Holiday Drinks Celebrating Local

Our event partner, Officina 1397, will be serving a delicious local cider from Samascott, a family-owned orchard in Kinderhook, Hudson Valley, renowned for their apples and other seasonal produce. Head to the basement to explore SKU home goods, enjoy mulled cider, and discover other thoughtfully sourced, locally produced beverages.

This holiday, experience a full-circle moment: thoughtful craft, meaningful gifts, and a warm community gathering. Pair the Perfect Tote with SKU tees, sip local cider, and enjoy an intimate celebration rooted in craft, care, and connection.

Images | Underwater Weaving Studio

Special Thanks to Underwater Weaving Studio and Officina 1397