ALL ABOUT HANDKNITARTISANS
Embracing the beauty of slow-crafting for health and wellness.
The Story of Hand Knit Artisans
Hand Knit Artisans began in 2012 as a quiet, personal creative practice—one rooted in making something beautiful by hand, one stitch at a time. Founded by Karen Bennett, the brand originally reflected a lifelong love of knitting: natural fibers, thoughtful design, and the deep satisfaction that comes from creating something meant to comfort and last and for others to enjoy.
As Karen’s professional life evolved, so did the meaning behind the craft.
With a background as a registered nurse and certified health & wellness coach, Karen has spent years helping others improve their health through lifestyle changes—slowing down, managing stress, restoring balance, and being more present in daily life. Along that journey, a powerful realization emerged: knitting itself had been one of her own most consistent wellness practices all along.
The rhythmic motion of the needles.
The tactile comfort of wool and alpaca.
The intentional slowness in a fast, demanding world.
Knitting was not just a hobby—it was a form of mindfulness, a way to regulate stress, foster calm, and reconnect with the present moment.
Introducing The New Hand Knit Artisans
Today, Hand Knit Artisans is built on a renewed purpose: to honor knitting as a wellness practice and slow craft as a form of self-care.
At its core, HKA celebrates:
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Calm – through repetitive, grounding handwork
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Comfort – through natural fibers, the warmth of a hug and thoughtful design
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Presence – through intentional, distraction-free making
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Wellness – through the proven benefits of slowing the nervous system, heart rate, blood pressure and engaging the senses in the moment.
Blog: The Health and Wellness Benefits of Slow Crafting
Each piece reflects the belief that how something is made matters. Slow crafting encourages patience, attention, and care—qualities that support both mental and physical well-being. In a culture of speed and disposability, hand knitting offers a gentle counterbalance: time, texture, and intention.
The Result
Hand Knit Artisans exists at the intersection of craft and care—where knitting becomes more than a finished object. It becomes:
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a moment of calm
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a ritual of comfort
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a tangible expression of presence
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and a reminder that slowing down is not a luxury, but a necessary form of wellness
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Every stitch carries this philosophy forward:
comfort worth waiting for, crafted with intention, for a more mindful life.
About
Hello I'm Karen!
I'm the owner/founder/creator of Hand Knit Artisans. I'm passionate about a few things - creating and designing knitting patterns, and helping others be in the best health possible for a purposeful, active life. Read on:
The Why Behind Hand Knit Artisans
I grew up in a small village in the English countryside, before the internet, social media and cell phones. Looking back, it was a very simple life in comparison to the constant overstimulation of today's world. The only thing we worried about was what was happening in our close sphere of friends and the surrounding villages. We grew our own fruit and vegetables, made bread, pastries, jam and wine and had a "small holding" with chickens, ponies, cats, and nature.
I learned to knit at elementary school with Miss Buxton, and from Nana and Auntie Nellie. I learned sewing, making my own clothes as a teen, baking, cooking from my mother and taught myself crochet. I painted, drew, exhibited and sold artwork sold portraits of horses and dogs on commission.
I'm an RN educator and life coach by profession - and I truly believe I was put on this earth to help others be the best version of themselves they can be. I've been a successful entrepreneur - a bricks and mortar yarn store owner and small business marketing consultant and travelled to all types of countries and cultures. Quite a fruitful and fulfilling life overall!
This is my why behind Hand Knit Artisans. I want HKA to be a hub for health and wellness through slow crafting. A place for comfort, slow crafting, healing and healthy living.
I encourage others to create their simple, slow crafting space by learning new, simple strategies for both physical and cognitive health and wellness for meaningful and sustainable longevity.
Check out my classes and workshops page for events both locally and online.