Wildhaven Wools was born out of a need and a creative spark. I love to make things for people, I always have. I have been making clothes for myself since high school and, as soon as I had kids, I began to make clothes for them.

When my kids were younger, they would wear poly base layers or cotton under their rain and snow suits. They would complain that they were cold or hot or sweaty. They were uncomfortable. It would cut our outdoor play sessions short. They weren't able to be present in nature and neither was I. We were all unhappy.

But I knew how important outdoor play is for kids. I have the most wonderful memories of being lost in the woods as a child. I wanted that for my children. So I pulled out my sewing "superpower" and decided I'd make them some really good wool base layers.

To start, I found a "grow-with-me" pattern that I knew was sized to fit for a few years. These patterns are well-known in the kids home sewing world. Ethically-produced sustainable merino wool is an expensive material. If I was gonna make really great base layers for toddlers, they'd better fit for more than one season. I pulled out some merino wool jersey I was saving for a special project and started to sew. 

From the moment my kids put these woolies on, they loved them. They were cute, comfy and super practical. They were even machine washable! I loved how easy it was to get them ready to go outside and they loved how soft and cozy they were. We took some pictures and put them on Instagram, just to brag a little ;). Then some amazing friends reached out to see if I could make some for their kids...

Wildhaven Wools was born.

Turns out those wools are not only my kids favorite base layers, they are some of their favorite clothes, period. I have continued to modify the design using my pattern blocks and "grow-with-me" design principles to make, what I think, are the very best kids base layers possible. Testing over time has helped refine details like putting darker colors on the cuffs (duh) and reinforced patches on the knees. A lot of thought and years of testing goes into our products and I think our customers would agree with me that it shows.

That is the other AMAZING thing that these wools have built. Our customers are the absolute best! We are building a community of like-minded families who value outdoor play, sustainability and kinship. I am so proud of all we are building here at Wildhaven and excited to see what the future brings!

Julia Billings

Founder

Wildhaven Wools