About Manzanita Threads

Manzanita Threads is dedicated to promoting sustainable fashion that tells a story and builds community. Offering upcycled apparel, workshops for creative skill development, essential materials, and expert services including dyeing, alterations, and repairs.

Why Upcycling and Mending

As of 2026, US landfills receive 15 million tons of textile waste per year. With the continued growth of fast fashion, this number continues to rise. And in an interconnected world, waste at the end of a garment’s too short life is just one part of the problem. Clothing production uses 79 billion cubic meters of water annually, enough for an estimated 19 billion people. Meanwhile water polluted in the production process makes up 20% of global waste water. Clothing is often made by vulnerable people, predominantly women, in exploitative conditions for less than a living wage. And it contributes 10% of all global carbon emissions. That’s without looking at the economic impact on individuals being bombarded with messaging to constantly buy more.

 

We believe it is time to slow down. To reuse what already exists in ways that make our clothes more beautiful, our planet more resilient, and our connections to each other stronger and more meaningful.

 

Because our world is interconnected. Solutions are, too. Upcycling clothing means textiles get worn more and used longer (and, we hope, loved), reducing your wardrobe’s carbon and water impacts. Joining us for events to learn to mend your own items not only extends their usefulness, but also brings you into our community of makers, menders, and humans committed to finding a better way.

 

Statistics and further information

Who We Are

Elizabeth Holdmann, our Chief Creative Officer, brings a passion for textiles and over 20 years of expertise in the craft industry to Manzanita Threads. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Textiles and Clothing from UC Davis and is certified in Museum Textile Collection Management through CSULB. Her extensive technical skill set includes sewing, pattern making, dyeing, knitting, crochet, weaving, embroidery and more.

 

For some of her personal work check out her Instagram @ChasingAThread

 

Laurel Grzesik-Mourad, our Chief Operating Officer, brings extensive experience in project management and operations to Manzanita Threads. She has worked in a range of industries, from consulting to non profits, research institutions, and community organizing. She enjoys bringing order to chaos, systems thinking, and sustainable solutions. Her technical skills include sewing, dyeing, and knitting.

 

Our studio and workshop is located in Lakewood, CA.

 

 

Manzanita Threads is backed by