Meghan Eirkson purposely named her growing online fabric craft business, North Hollow Threads, after “my very favorite place.”
Why? Because to Eirkson, of Hershey, the two are synonymous.
Her one-of-kind, handmade crafts are inspired by life at North Hollow, her family’s Vermont getaway home.
“To that end, North Hollow Threads has been created to bring the joy of something handmade to both the everyday and special,” she writes on the online store’s website, whose tagline is “Handmade Goods for the Modern Home.”
Eirkson “started out small” in October 2020 following the pandemic’s first wave. She previously worked in politics and law until the birth of her second son in 2019 but now wanted a job that allowed her to stay home with her family. As a result, she began selling her home-sewn goods online and at The Shoppe on Chocolate in Hershey.
“I love to sew,” she said. “It’s always been an outlet for me.”
And two years later, business continues to grow for Eirkson.
“Last year, it was twice as busy during the holidays as it was the year before,” she said. “This year, it looks like things just might be twice as busy as they were last year.”
Although Eirkson notes that “it’s always a challenge to work with small children,” she cherishes time spent with her two sons, ages 7 and 4, who help out with selecting fabrics and making deliveries.
“I like to buy my supplies from other small businesses run by women with families, too,” she said. “It’s been important to me to help them out in the same way that they help me.”
This holiday shopping season, North Hollow Threads offers an expanded range of handcrafted napkins, coasters, table runners, placemats and stockings, to name just a few items. Holiday-themed fabric also is available for sale, and all merchandise is available for custom orders.
Then, of course, there are plenty of gifts or everyday items available for sale at North Hollow Threads. For children, there are baby quilts and wall hangings, fabric crowns, pencil cases, Halloween bags, and, of course, toys.
For grownups, there are zipper bags and totes, tablet cases, travel bags, key rings and pillows and even flannel bandanas for the family canine.
Eirkson said that she plans to hold online holiday sales throughout November, as well as a brick-and-mortar open house sale for family and friends.
Julie Webb, of Hershey, is not only Eirkson’s friend and neighbor but one of her first customers. She became hooked on North Hollow’s goods after noticing a mutual friend’s fabric napkin set that was crafted by Eirkson.
“Meg is my go-to anytime I need a special gift for Mother’s Day, Christmas, birthdays or whatever it may be,” said Webb, who noted that a North Hollow keychain and catchall bag currently sat inside her purse. “I tell all my friends and family to buy from Meg.”
She also loves that Eirkson will tailor an item specifically for her.
“I’m a big fan,” Webb said. “She does such a great job with everything she does, and I love to support her.”
North Hollow Threads merchandise is sold online at www.northhollowthreads.com.
On Nov. 9, Meghan Eirkson and Julie Webb plan a launch party for a new PA Capital Region Chapter of Women’s Business League, a national networking group for female business owners. For contact information, visit www.womensbusinessleague.com/chapters.
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