Knitting expert and designer Kate Preston creates custom hand-knit garments and accessories. Her creations have generated a fresh look at knitting around the world and inspired hundreds of people to design and create their own knitwear. Preston designed and knitted a wool swimsuit that was worn by supermodel Kate Upton in the 2013 Swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated magazine. Upton modeled the unique swimsuit in the first ever fashion photo shoot on the continent of Antarctica. Preston took her inspiration for the suit’s design from cable-knit sweaters traditionally worn by Irish fishermen. Ms. Preston’s work was also featured in Martha Stewart American Made and in 2012, she was invited with her knitting students to attend a filming of the Martha Stewart Show in New York.

Ms. Preston shares her expertise through her hands-on training program called
Learn-to-Knit with Katie. In the program, she runs weekly classes where she teaches beginners to seasoned knitters looking for new inspiration. Lessons range from the pure basics to dyeing yarn and creating full garments and accessories. Preston has devised a comprehensive series of lessons that enables newcomers to progress into more advanced knitters over the course of twelve months.

Ms. Preston heads a local chapter of Care to Knit, a non-profit organization that donates hand-knitted items to veterans’ hospitals, children’s hospitals and shelters. In addition, she partners with local schools and non-profit organizations to plan fundraising events where the attendees take lessons and support worthy causes. Ms. Preston is also an active member of The Knitting Guild Association and is working to earn her designation as a master knitter.

Kate Preston resides in Rockville Centre, New York with her husband and four sons.