Cat Bordhi

Cat Bordhi (1951-2020) was an American author, designer, and teacher recognized for her contributions to the craft of knitting. Born Kathryn Anne Elizabeth Gardiner, she navigated personal tragedy early in life, including the loss of both parents. After studying Russian literature and language at the University of Santa Barbara, she later adjusted her name to assert her individuality in her publishing career. Bordhi began her creative work augmenting her income as a seamstress and teacher by crafting unique teddy bears. Her significant impact on the knitting world came with the publication of "Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles" in 2002, which introduced a novel method for knitting socks using two circular needles, offering knitters greater design control. This book achieved considerable success, reaching number 64 on Amazon. She followed this with other popular knitting books, including "A Treasury of Magical Knitting" and "A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting," which presented simplified approaches to traditional knitting projects. Beyond her instructional books, Bordhi also authored fiction, with her 2004 book "Treasure Forest" receiving the Nautilus Award for Best Young Adult Fiction. Her influence extended to online platforms, where her knitting tutorials garnered over a million views, and she also taught at the Institute of Forensic Knitting. Bordhi further fostered a community around fiber arts by organizing retreats and international travel experiences focused on knitting.

Cat Bordhi significantly advanced the art of knitting through her innovative techniques and widely-read books. Her 2002 publication, "Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles: A Manual of Elegant Knitting Techniques and Patterns," was groundbreaking as the first book to teach sock knitting using two circular needles. This method provided knitters with enhanced control over their designs and was met with commercial success, reaching the #64 spot on Amazon. Bordhi continued to share her expertise in subsequent works such as "A Treasury of Magical Knitting" and "A Second Treasury of Magical Knitting." These books were instrumental in simplifying complex knitting processes for traditional items like socks, scarves, and hats, making intricate designs more accessible to a broader audience. Her approach demystified advanced techniques, encouraging creativity and skill development among knitters.

While renowned for her knitting expertise, Cat Bordhi also explored the realm of fiction, demonstrating a diverse creative talent. Her 2004 novel, "Treasure Forest," earned critical acclaim and the Nautilus Award for Best Young Adult Fiction, highlighting her ability to connect with readers through storytelling. Bordhi's influence extended beyond her written works through her active engagement with the fiber arts community. She developed and hosted fiber-arts retreats in Friday Harbor, creating spaces for enthusiasts to gather, learn, and share their passion. Furthermore, she organized international knitting travel experiences, offering unique opportunities for individuals to explore the world while engaging with their craft. Her online presence was also notable, with her YouTube tutorials amassing over a million views, and her teaching engagements included the specialized Institute of Forensic Knitting.