Gwen Bortner - Knitting Teacher
Gwen Bortner is a Craft Yarn Council Certified Teacher and is accredited by the Association of Knitwear Designers in both teaching and design. Her first published article covered the Seamless Entrelac technique and was featured in Threads July 1994 and again in Taunton Press' Great Knits. Her most recent major publication is Entrée to Entrelac: A Definitive Guide from a Biased Knitter.
Gwen first learned to knit when she was 6 years old, but it really took hold while attending University of the Pacific. While completing her degree in computer science and higher mathematics, she worked part-time at the local yarn shop, teaching, designing and assisting customers.
After graduation, Gwen followed the career path directed by her degree. She worked as a programmer/consultant, owned her own computer consulting firm and then later joined Ernst & Young, LLP as senior analyst. Her executive career took her to Kansas City where she headed up the information technology group as a Vice President for Birch Telecom, Inc.
A Passion for Knitting
Gwen's continuing love of fiber and knitting, in particular, was a hallmark in her life. Her math background made designing and writing patterns a natural extension of this love. In the summer of 2001, Gwen gave up her executive career and with her long time knitting friend, Beverly Jensen, founded Knitability, LLC. In the October of that same year, www.knitability.com was opened for business.
Gwen’s love of knitting is passed on to others as she brings new knitters into the fold by teaching through community education programs, at the Knitability Headquarters in Le Grand, California and at regional and national teaching venues around the country. Nothing pleases her more than having a very busy teaching schedule.
When Gwen is not busy knitting (or teaching), she enjoys spending time with her wonderful husband, Arlis and playing with her dog Triton. Some of the Bortner's favorite activities include skiing (Gwen is also a part-time ski instructor), biking, hiking, scuba diving and playing video games! Arlis also supports Knitability by providing technical support for a variety of computer related functions.
