Gwen Bortner
Instructor Website: http://confidentknitter.com/
Beginning early in childhood, Gwen has dabbled in all of the various needle arts with knitting finally taking center stage during her college years. Gwen has over 35 years of experience as a business consultant, trainer and executive working in a variety of business arenas focusing on business operations, management, and communication. Her "super power" is the ability to share valuable, tactical, and practical information in accessible, easy-to-process, bite-size pieces that can be applied immediately.
Education is probably the most important component of Gwen's career as all efforts focus on "Taking Students to the Next Level". Gwen's passion is teaching and enjoys every opportunity she has to share her love of knitting with others. Whether teaching through the local community education program or at a national knitting convention, meeting new people and sharing the love of knitting is one of her greatest joys.
BIO ~ Gwen Bortner
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 finally culminating a position in Kansas City where she headed up the information technology group as a Vice President for Birch Telecom, Inc.
Gwen's teaching philosophy can be summed up in the following quote, "I provide very few absolutes in the classroom. Although I may have a preference, experience has shown that "my way" is rarely the only way and being inclusive is so much more inviting. My mantra is "knitting is fun" and if class isn't fun, then I am not doing my job."
Books ~ Gwen Bortner
Gwen's first book, Entrée to Entrelac, was released to resounding accolades. This is the first book to be published dedicated solely to the often misunderstood technique of entrelac. A variety of projects, both large and small, explore the surprisingly large range of fabrics and shapes this fascinating technique can create. Gwen's vast teaching experience allows her to translate her in-depth knowledge of entrelac, into clear, concise, effective instructions making the technique attainable for any knitter who is interested in learning about entrelac. Discussion of not only the how, but the why help empower knitters of all levels to take lessons learned from entrelac and apply them to other projects and techniques.