Ann Budd first learned to knit in 1968 when living in Switzerland for a year with her family. At the time, knitting was part of the curriculum for all schoolgirls. Back in the United States, Ann continued to knit through her high-school, college, and graduate years, when she earned a master’s degree in Geology. In 1989, Ann decided to forego the sciences and pursue her passion for knitting and fiber-related crafts when she began working as an editorial assistant for Handwoven magazine.

Through the years, Ann worked as a book editor and managing editor of Interweave Knits magazine. Since 2002, Ann has authored or co-authored more than eight books, including the popular Knitter's Handy Book series, Getting Started Knitting Socks, and several books in the Style series.

Ann continues to edit craft books for Interweave as well as author her own books.