Kenana Knitters: Changing Lives (and Cuddly Shelves) with Every Knitted Toy
Kenana Knitters: Changing Lives (and Cuddly Shelves) with Every Knitted Toy
In a quiet corner of rural Kenya, something extraordinary is happening. A group of talented women are using nothing but needles, yarn, and heart to create change—one knitted toy at a time. Welcome to Kenana Knitters, where wool meets purpose, and every stitch tells a story.
Where Knitting Meets Empowerment
Founded in 1998 by Patricia Nightingale, Kenana Knitters began as a humble initiative to empower local women by offering them meaningful work. With limited employment options in their community, these women turned their traditional handcrafting skills into an income—and a movement.
Today, Kenana supports over 500 artisans who create everything from cozy creatures to classic teddies—all hand-stitched, all stunning.
What Makes a Kenana Knitted Toy So Special?
Oh, where do we even start?
Every Kenana knitted toy is:
🧶 Made from organic, homespun wool
🌿 Dyed with natural or AZO-free dyes
✋🏾 Handcrafted by women artisans in Kenya
🪡 Signed by the maker—because every toy should come with a story
These aren't just soft, squishable animals. They’re keepsakes. Conversation starters. Tiny ambassadors of sustainability and fair trade.
And lucky for you, you don’t have to travel to Kenya to get your hands on one.
Jade and May x Kenana: A Match Made in Handmade Heaven
We’re proud stockists of the Kenana Down Under collection right here at Jade and May, bringing these gorgeous handcrafted animals straight to your doorstep—no passport required.
Looking for a unique knitted toy gift that’s ethical and adorable? Here are some of our faves:
🦁 Kenana Down Under Lion – This little guy might be king of the jungle, but he’s got a heart of gold. Soft, snuggly, and perfect for gifting (or keeping—no judgment).
👉 Meet the lion
🐻 Latte Ditsy Teddy Bear – The coziest knitted teddy you’ve ever seen. Comes in small and large sizes, and every bear is hand-knitted from naturally dyed wool.
👉 Snuggle one here
🐘 Kenana Down Under Minis – These mini knitted toys are small in size but big on charm. Use them as keyrings, ornaments, or tiny travel buddies with a cause.
👉 Shop the minis
Each toy you purchase directly supports the woman who made it—helping fund education, healthcare, and safe, sustainable work.
More Than Just a Knitted Toy
Kenana Knitters goes beyond adorable plush toys. The organization also runs literacy classes, health workshops, and nutrition programs for the community. Every knitted toy from Kenya that finds a new home is a stitch in a much bigger tapestry of positive change.
And let’s be honest: who wouldn’t want to give a gift that’s cute and does good?
The Bottom Line?
Not all toys are created equal. When you choose a handmade knitted toy from Jade and May, you’re giving more than just a soft friend—you’re giving dignity, independence, and opportunity to the women behind the wool.
✨ Ready to gift with heart? Explore the Kenana Down Under range
