About Wild Bluebell Homestead
Our Story
In the heart of the majestic mountains of Fraser Valley British Columbia Canada, where the air is crisp and the soil fertile, exists our little sanctuary – the Wild Bluebell Homestead. Founded by the creative and homesteading spirit, Lou Meggiato, our homestead is more than just a land of serene beauty; it is a vibrant community where the art of homesteading and the passion for handmade crafts intertwine.
Lou, alongside her supportive husband, spirited kids, and playful cats, has brought to life a vision where simplicity and sustainability are not just ideals, but a way of life. With a Master’s Degree in Design from Universities in the United Kingdom (more about that below), Lou has spent years crafting for others. Now, she brings her expertise back home, pouring her soul into designing and creating small-batch artisan products.
Our Mission
At Wild Bluebell Homestead, our mission is to be a beacon for those yearning to embrace the homesteading lifestyle. It’s a place where learning, sharing, and creating take centre stage. We are dedicated to curating an inclusive and dynamic community where we can all grow together, both in our crafts and in our connection to the land and one another.
Our Offerings
Step into a world where each item is a handcrafted gem, a piece of our heart here at Wild Bluebell Homestead. Our offerings are a mix of tradition and creativity, meticulously woven to enrich your life with natural simplicity.
- Organic Sourdough Starter – A natural, dried, and activated culture made with Canadian organic flour, originally from a 75-year-old Italian starter, perfect for naturally leavened bread.
- Sourdough Starter Guide – A beginner-friendly 28-page guide covering feeding, troubleshooting, and techniques for maintaining a healthy sourdough culture.
- Sourdough Starter Kit – A complete kit featuring an organic starter, vintage glass jar, handmade fabric cover, spatula, instructional guide, and access to video tutorials.
- Sourdough Scoring Lame – A handcrafted scoring tool made from reclaimed walnut, each piece uniquely shaped and collectible for artisan bread-making.
- Sourdough Sticker Template – An editable and customizable Canva template designed for microbakeries to label and brand their fresh sourdough loaves.
- Vintage Fabric Jar Cover – A hand-sewn, breathable cover made from reclaimed fabrics, designed to protect fermenting sourdough starters from debris.
- Reversible Baker’s Apron – A full-coverage, double-sided apron made from durable vintage textiles, featuring adjustable straps and deep pockets.
- Reusable Bread Bag – A fabric, foldable bag designed to store and transport sourdough loaves while keeping them fresh and reducing waste.
- Request Custom Products – If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, Lou welcomes custom requests for handmade tools, textiles, clothing, or accessories.
Each handmade product is a chapter in our homestead’s ongoing story, a story we’re eager to share with you. Embrace the art of slow living with these tokens from our homestead to your home, fostering a connection that extends beyond the digital realm into the tangible joys of a life well-lived.
About Lou
Lou Meggiato is a designer, maker, and the creative force behind Wild Bluebell Homestead. With over 30+ years of experience in fashion, textile design, and product development, Lou has worked with leading brands across the UK, Italy, and Canada, specializing in outerwear, knitwear, and sustainable clothing design. Her lifelong passion for textiles, craftsmanship, and functional design has shaped a career dedicated to creating beautiful, practical, and environmentally responsible products. Now, at Wild Bluebell Homestead, Lou applies her expertise to small-batch handmade goods, blending timeless techniques with a thoughtful, sustainable approach.
Lou’s Education
Lou’s background in design is rooted in a strong formal education in textiles, clothing construction, and performance apparel. She earned a Master of Arts in Performance Sports Design from the University of Derby, where she specialized in snowboard clothing for women and technical base layers, focusing on innovation in outdoor apparel. Prior to that, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Clothing Design at the University of Derby, with a specialization in womenswear, childrenswear, and knitwear, gaining a deep understanding of garment construction and material functionality. Her foundation in the arts began with a Diploma in General Art and Design from the University of Birmingham, where she explored fashion, knitwear, and photography, shaping her creative vision from an early stage.
Lou’s Experience
Lou’s career has taken her through a diverse range of roles in clothing, performance wear, and textile innovation, working with respected brands that value both function and style. She has designed technical outerwear, high-performance sportswear, and knitwear collections, bringing her knowledge of materials, garment engineering, and sustainable design into every project. At Regatta Professional (UK), she developed men’s outdoor apparel and snow sportswear, combining durability with technical performance. At Benetton Group (Italy), she worked on knitwear for baby, toddler, and athletic collections, refining her expertise in fabric development. Her time at Westbeach (Canada) saw her designing snowboard and ski outerwear, blending functionality with style for extreme conditions.
Beyond outerwear, Lou’s experience includes apparel design at Bn3th (Canada), where she developed new material concepts and product innovations. She has also designed children’s knitted accessories for AC Nantong (Canada), outerwear for Please Mum (Canada), and branding and technical specifications for Eternity Clothing Ltd (UK). Her early career included roles at Nike and Adidas’ seamless sportswear divisions through Coates Viyella (UK), as well as work in sportswear research for Philips (UK). She has also contributed to high-end fashion, assisting in suiting development for Paul Smith (UK) and garment preparation for Paris Fashion Week at John Rocha (Ireland). Each of these experiences has shaped Lou’s deep knowledge of textiles, fit, and functionality, all of which she now brings to Wild Bluebell Homestead.
Custom Products
At Wild Bluebell Homestead, every product is crafted with care, but we understand that sometimes, a personal touch is needed. If you love our products but are looking for something slightly different—whether it’s a custom sourdough product, a unique baking tool, or a handmade textile piece—Lou welcomes custom requests and collaborations. She enjoys working with fellow homesteaders, bakers, and makers to bring creative ideas to life. The best way to connect with her for custom work is through Instagram or email (listed below), where she is always happy to chat about new projects and possibilities.
Connect With Us
We believe in fostering a community where every voice matters, and every member feels at home. Your journey with the Wild Bluebell Homestead doesn’t just stop at browsing our handmade goods.
We invite you to join our email newsletter for the latest updates, and follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
Thank you for taking the time to connect with our family and learn about the Wild Bluebell Homestead.
Email or call us—we cherish every opportunity to engage with fellow homesteaders and craft lovers.
