Introduction

I’m Lea, heart and hands behind Stonehouse Studio Thread and Cloth. My journey began on a farm in Guerneville, CA, where  my great-grandmother would spend two weeks with us each summer preserving the fruits and vegetables we harvested from the orchard and garden. During those precious weeks, she also taught me how to crochet, and I made many handmade blankets for my dolls. Though I set it aside as I grew up, the joy of creating with my hands never left me.

In college, I picked up crochet again, slowly working on an afghan that took four years to complete. It was in the late '90s, when I joined friends for a knitting class in a cozy shop in Santa Barbara, that my love for making things was truly rekindled. The warmth and satisfaction of giving handmade gifts became a passion, and in 2006, I learned to sew—thanks to the wonderful folks at The Tin Thimble. Since then, my quiet moments have been filled with making gifts for family and friends, each Christmas bringing a new wave of handmade joy to those I love.

I’m now finding endless inspiration on our small farm in Auburn, CA, where we share the property with my mom, two dogs, three cats, two donkeys, and a lively mix of goats, ducks, and chickens. The changing seasons and the natural rhythms of life in the country bring an ever changing perspective to my craft, influencing my designs and colors in ways I love to explore. The advice and encouragement from my large family, who first inspired my love for making, continue to guide and motivate me. 

There’s something incredibly fulfilling about working with simple lines, natural materials, and vibrant colors. I’m drawn to the texture of linen, the crispness of cotton, and the softness of muslin. Creating items that bring beauty and function into everyday life is what I love most. Whether it’s a knit hat or a versatile bag, each piece I make is infused with warmth and the joy of knowing it will become part of someone’s daily routine. And nothing compares to the smile that spreads across someone’s face when they receive a handmade gift chosen just for them.