About Asterra

About Asterra

Asterra was founded in 2005 by Helga van Ruijven as a shop for natural textiles on the Hooigracht in Leiden. What began as a physical store grew into a web shop in 2007, offering a carefully curated selection. Since then, Asterra has become a trusted source for wool, silk, and wool/silk underwear, as well as socks, cardigans, hats, scarves, gloves, legwarmers, kidney warmers, and (baby) blankets. All chosen with care for quality, origin, and softness.

The name “Asterra” is a blend of the Latin words aster (star) and terra (earth): a connection between Heaven and Earth. And in between, there we are. When we are connected to ourselves, we are also connected to the earth and the cosmos.

Asterra also stands for purity and responsibility. We source our products from small, mostly family-run businesses across Europe. This keeps our supply chains short and transparent. We know where our materials come from and how they’re made. We carefully assess each supplier’s values, intentions, and the quality of their materials and processes. Every company makes its own choices: organic wool, organic silk, eco-friendly dyeing methods, small-scale production, and the use of leftover materials. For each item in our shop, you can read about the priorities of the brand behind it.

Asterra was born from a desire to offer care, warmth, and gentle support — for children and adults alike. Clothing made from natural materials can be a meaningful way to help us feel at home in our own bodies. Wool and silk are unique among natural fibers because they’re made of proteins that closely resemble those in our skin. That’s why a wool or silk undershirt can feel like a second skin. It helps reinforce a sense of personal boundaries, the distinction between inside and outside, between what belongs to you and what belongs to the world around you.

In 2025, I, Manuela, took over Asterra with joy and conviction. From the very beginning, I felt the warmth and care woven into this shop. Asterra’s philosophy(clothing as gentle support, as a way to come home to yourself) touched me deeply. I believe in the power of natural materials, in honest production, and in products that are not only functional but also add softness and meaning to everyday life. I’m committed to continuing Asterra in that same spirit: with care, with love, and with a collection that feels right for babies, children, and adults.

I warmly invite you to keep exploring Asterra.
Together, we can make the world a little warmer, a little softer and a little more beautiful.

Warm regards,
Manuela