Anne's Norwegian Knitting

What makes a virtual knitting retreat worth attending? Is it the presentations, the knitting, the history, or something much harder to put a price on?

In this Stranded Thought, I'm talking about the value of our Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat, why it's about so much more than knitting, and why I stand behind what we're offering.

🧶 Join us for the Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat 2027!

Our special October offer and goodie bag opportunity end November 2nd.

👉 Learn more and sign up: https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/virtual-retreat

For more Norwegian knitting, traditions, wool, history, and community, visit https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com

Why can a wool sweater feel so light and still keep us warm? What gives yarn its bounce? And what does “worsted” actually mean?

In episode 62, Anne and Steph welcome Northern Lights member Kristal for a conversation about the way wool works. A knitter, spinner, and enthusiastic explorer of all things fibre, Kristal brings samples, stories, and the kind of curiosity that leads you to pull yarn apart just to see what’s happening inside.

We talk about wool’s relationship with warmth and moisture, what happens during felting, and how the preparation and spinning of fibres influence the yarn on our needles. Along the way, there’s a drop spindle that lives up to its name and a sweater that grew to rather unexpected proportions.

In this episode:

• Kristal’s journey from knitting to spinning and processing fleece
• Wool fibres, scales, and moisture
• Wet felting and needle felting
• Crimp – the little bends that contribute to wool’s bounce
• Woollen-spun, worsted-spun, and semi-worsted yarns
• Rooing – collecting fleece that a sheep naturally sheds
• Why worsted-spun and worsted weight mean different things

Mentioned in this episode

Thank you to Made By Barb for the fibre illustrations discussed in our conversation:
https://www.madebybarb.com/

For your next knitting adventure, explore more atAnne’s Norwegian Knitting.

A few years ago, during a group conversation, a beautiful woman and successful entrepreneur described me as a heritage knitter. She saw something back then that I’ve only recently found the words for, even though it has been part of my work and what I do all along.

In this Stranded Thoughts episode, I explore what being a heritage knitter means to me, and how, through Anne’s Norwegian Knitting, we bring Norwegian knitting heritage into your everyday life today.

For your next knitting adventure, explore more at Anne’s Norwegian Knitting: https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com

Join Anne and Steph alongside past attendees as they share what makes the Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat such a memorable experience. From Norwegian culture, history, and inspiring designer sessions to natural dyeing, special surprises, and meaningful connections, hear firsthand why knitters return year after year.

Plus, get a sneak peek at the 2027 Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat, happening February 25–28, featuring the theme “Symbols,” a new yarn mill, and plenty of exciting experiences to come.

The Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat is about so much more than knitting.

In this episode, Anne and Steph take you behind the scenes of creating an immersive weekend filled with Norwegian knitting, history, culture, traditional crafts, wool and community. They share how the retreat began, how it has grown – and how much thought, care and, sometimes, self-doubt go into bringing it all together.

They also give you a glimpse of what is coming for the third Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat, taking place February 25–28, 2027. This year’s theme is symbols and symbolism in Norwegian knitting and craft.

You’ll hear about:

– How the idea for the retreat began
– The work and emotions behind creating the weekend
– Why every presentation is live
– Personal Q&A sessions with the speakers
– Norwegian history, culture, music and traditional crafts
– Sit & Knit sessions and time to meet fellow knitters
– Gentle yoga and stretching created especially for knitters
– Norwegian wool, exclusive patterns and a special red-listed technique
– Some of the wonderful speakers already confirmed for 2027
– How the retreat brings the experience of travelling through Norway into your own living room

Registration for the 2027 Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat opens Sunday, September 20, with a special early-bird offer available for one week.

Come and spend four days immersed in Norwegian knitting, traditions, wool, history and community.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and leave us a rating or review. It helps more knitters find us.

Anne’s Norwegian Knitting — Norwegian knitting, traditions, wool, history and community.

Today was supposed to be a very different podcast episode.

But on the morning of August 28, 2026, King Harald V of Norway passed away after 35 years on the throne.

Before you listen, two little corrections from me. This was a very spontaneous conversation recorded on an emotional day, and somewhere between my brain and my mouth, the royal numbers got muddled. Throughout the conversation I call King Harald V “King Harald VII”. He was, of course, King Harald V.

You will also hear us talk about a “coronation”. Norway no longer has coronations – the ceremony we are talking about is a consecration, as King Harald V and Queen Sonja had in Nidaros Cathedral in 1991. This one was partly me reaching for the right vocabulary in English while we were talking.

With that cleared up...

Steph and I had planned a completely different episode for today. But when we sat down to record, it didn't feel right to simply carry on as planned.

So instead, we talked about King Harald, the Norwegian monarchy, what the Royal Family means to many Norwegians, what happens when a king dies and another takes his place – and a little of the long history behind it all.

This isn't a history lesson. It is simply a conversation recorded on a day when history was happening around us.

Takk, Kong Harald.

Alt for Norge.

Norway has a centuries-old tradition of marking handmade objects with dates, initials, and symbols. Anne and Steph explore how these simple marks can preserve family stories, identity, important life events, and the legacy of the people who made them.

Through examples of Norwegian chests, bunad accessories, samplers, carved objects, and a 1943 painted sewing box, they uncover the stories that can be found in these personal marks. They also explore Norwegian naming traditions and why marking handmade work can help preserve the names and stories of women and families.

The tradition continues today through the merkelapp, or maker label. Anne and Steph share simple ways to add your own mark to knitting using duplicate stitch, embroidery, or fabric labels.

📄 Download the PDF Alphabet:[Click Here]

A thoughtful look at how the things we make can carry our names, our stories, and a piece of our history for generations to come.

To get more from Anne’s Norwegian Knitting check this out: https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and Theme
03:10 How the Session Works
05:05 Centuries Old Maker Marks
08:20 Trunks and Family Stories
12:11 Purse Handles and Anno
13:40 Wool Month Dates in Knits
17:02 Symbols Before Literacy
20:04 Why Dates and Initials Matter
23:57 Norwegian Naming Traditions
27:27 Patronymics and Swedish Banter
32:31 Genealogy Naming Patterns
36:06 Bringing Marks Into Today
36:29 Reclaim Maker Identity
37:16 DIY Knit Labels
38:20 Stitching and Materials
41:56 Merkelapp Tradition
42:52 PDF Alphabet Download
45:26 Audience Q and A
52:11 Women and Craft Legacy
57:37 Inheritance Rights Update
01:02:07 Wrap Up and Next Events

Link to transcript and shownotes

Is knitting a race? Anne and Steph don't think so.

In this episode, they explore why quality matters more than quantity, how slowing down can make you a better knitter, and why creating garments you'll love to wear is worth the extra time. They also talk about practice, ripping back, overcoming perfectionism, and embracing knitting as a lifelong journey.

Because in the end, it's not about how fast you finish – it's about creating something you'll be proud of.

To get more from Anne’s Norwegian Knitting check this out: https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome Back Update
00:28 Quality Over Quantity
01:14 Heirlooms Wear Your Knits
05:20 Speed Culture Rant
08:31 Fast Knitter Example
12:00 Tedious Sections Take Time
16:21 Time Out Projects
17:43 Continental For Health
19:19 Perfect Vs And Gauge
21:20 Practice With Small Projects
22:39 Fixing Puckering Floats
24:28 Ripping Back Lifelines
26:13 Repeating Course Levels
29:50 Progress Over Perfection
31:28 Step Numbered Patterns
36:05 Sister Pattern Struggles
38:34 Brave Pattern Modifications
40:35 Quality Over Quantity
41:47 Final Takeaways Signoff

Link to transcript and shownotes

Norwegian Wool Month is almost here, and I need your help!

This episode can also be watched on YouTube.

In this Stranded Thought, I share the story behind Norwegian Wool Month – why it started, how it has grown over the years, and the tradition of designing a brand-new pattern each August using beautiful Norwegian wool.

This year's pattern is a hat, and before I cast on the Lofoten Wool version, I need to choose the colors. That's where you come in!

Leave your favorite color combination in the comments and help decide what this year's hat will look like.

Happy knitting! 🧶

After a short summer break, Anne and Steph are back behind the microphones – and celebrating one full year of the podcast!

In this episode, they look back on a wonderful in-person retreat in Norway with 18 knitters from North America and continental Europe before turning their attention to one of the highlights of the knitting year – Norwegian Wool Month.

You'll hear the story behind how Wool Month began, why it has become such an important tradition, what's happening during this year's event, and why supporting Norwegian wool, mills, designers, and small makers matters so much. Anne also shares how this year's projects came together, what participants can look forward to, and why Wool Month is about much more than knitting patterns.

Whether you're joining Norwegian Wool Month for the first time or returning for another year, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at what makes August such a special month in our community

Timestamps

00:00 Podcast Return
01:05 Football And Knitting
04:38 What Is Wool Month
05:47 Origin Story
12:54 Naming The Event
14:28 This Years Schedule
16:54 Speakers And Recordings
21:03 Why Selbu Matters
24:43 Adding Lofoten Wool
25:37 Crafting Association Finds
26:21 Supporting Small Makers
27:56 Lofoten Wool Journey
29:28 Selbu Mitts Origins
32:20 Cowl Pattern Showcase
34:59 Socks Year Challenge
36:23 This Year Hat Plan
38:38 Yarn Notes Gimra
40:23 Wool Month Panels
44:31 Free Signup Wrap Up

Link to transcript and shownotes

In this episode, Anne and Steph step into the world of the Norwegian bunad – the national costume rooted in history, identity, and craftsmanship.

They explore what a bunad really is, why it matters, and how it connects to family, region, and tradition. From rules and “bunad police” to modern interpretations and inclusion, this is a conversation about both preserving and evolving heritage.

You’ll also hear personal stories, a bit of Norwegian history, and a closer look at the details – embroidery, colors, silver, and the incredible work behind each piece.

A cultural deep dive with strong ties to the same traditions we carry in our knitting.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:40 Episode Setup with Steph
01:13 What Is a Bunad
01:59 Cost and Making One
03:33 Rules and Bunad Police
05:24 Regional Styles and Roots
06:22 Inclusion and Access Debates
07:47 Modern Fantasy Bunads
08:59 When Bunads Are Worn
10:30 Origins and 1905 Context
10:59 Norway History Crash Course
17:08 May 17 Traditions Today
18:43 Preserving Bunads by Region
20:07 Colors Motifs and Rosemaling
21:20 Norway Regions Explained
22:51 Steph Trondelag Bunad Tour
24:50 Shoes Socks and Silver Details
27:07 Hand Sewing and Embroidery
28:52 Anne Shows Family Bunad Photos
31:58 Bunad Silver Clasps and Brooches
33:10 Filigree Jewelry Roots
33:57 Family Bunad Photos
35:18 Embroidery Details Up Close
36:20 Rondastakk Origins
37:59 Hardanger Beading
39:48 Hair Rules and Bands
41:15 Mom’s Bunad Shawl
42:56 Marie On Bunad Story
44:57 Embroidery Process
46:29 Mike’s Men’s Vest
49:13 Bunad Socks Class
52:45 Looped Hat Tradition
53:43 Wedding Outfit Wow
55:42 Bunad Tradition Today
56:58 Closing and Farewell

Link to transcript and shownotes

In this episode, Anne and Steph talk about choosing colors – why it can feel tricky, and how it becomes easier with a bit of understanding and practice.

They explore different ways to find inspiration, from nature to everyday moments, and share real examples of what works, what doesn’t, and why. You’ll also hear why swatching matters more than you think, and how small adjustments can completely change a colorway.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about your color choices, this episode is for you.

We talk about our annual Color Workshop in today’s podcast. It is hosted this coming Tuesday (April 28th), to join, sign up here: https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/2026-color-party-lp

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
01:21 Why Talk About Color
03:19 Color Anxiety and Learning
08:40 Nature as Inspiration
12:53 Swatching and Favorite Colors
15:34 Colorways for the Shawl
18:58 Tools for Fair Isle Color
21:57 When Color Tests Fail
24:20 Neutrals With a Pop
26:27 Color Pops in Rows
27:10 Brown Gray Colorway
29:10 Spring Greens Inspiration
30:55 Purple Lovers Challenge
31:42 Sitting Pad Color Scheme
35:28 Swatch Reveal and Contrast
40:41 Bed of Roses Palette
43:13 Swatching Before Big Knits
44:44 Workshop Dates and Signup
48:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Link to transcript and shownotes

This is a very visual episode, so if you’re listening on a traditional podcast platform, you might want to come back and watch it on YouTube as well. Podcast Episode 53 on YouTube

In this episode, Anne and Steph dive into the story of pockets – not the sewn-in kind we’re used to today, but the beautifully personal, historical pockets worn outside (or hidden beneath) clothing.

What begins as a simple idea for a small knitting project unfolds into a rich conversation about Norwegian bunad traditions, textile history, identity, and creativity. Along the way, they explore how pockets were used, decorated, gifted, and even restricted – and how this small accessory carries far more meaning than we might expect.

✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• The surprising origin of “pockets” – and why they weren’t always sewn into garments
• How Norwegian bunad pockets evolved from practical everyday items to decorative heirlooms
• The role of pockets as personal, expressive objects – often customized and deeply meaningful
• A glimpse into pocket traditions around the world, from Norway to England, France, and beyond
• The story of fashion dolls and how trends were shared before modern media
• Why women were once discouraged – or even banned – from having pockets
• The artistry behind traditional Norwegian clasps and what their symbols and initials represent
• The emotional side of pockets – including the kinds of personal items they once held
• The design journey behind Anne’s modern knitted pocket pattern
• Ideas for customizing your own pocket with embroidery, beads, and personal touches

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:40 Meet Anne and Steph
01:34 Why Pockets Matter
02:50 Bunad Pocket Origins
04:03 Steph Textile Expertise
05:27 Designing the Modern Pocket
08:18 Personalizing with Embroidery
10:52 Bunad Standardization Story
12:12 Pocket Show and Tell
15:58 Pockets Around the World
17:52 Fashion Dolls and Trends
19:04 Fashion Dolls Pockets
20:17 Women Banned Pockets
21:14 Norwegian Clasps Art
21:51 Initials And Heirlooms
25:22 Pocket Keepsakes Hair
26:49 Designing Our Pocket
28:37 Pattern Challenge Ideas
30:37 Tutorials Assembly Help
34:23 Yarn Gauge Gift Plans
36:24 Wrap Up

Link to transcript and shownotes

Before we start, this is a highly visual episode, so you might watch it on YouTube here: Podcast Episode 52 on YouTube

In this episode, Anne and Steph dive into everything Eternity. From the original inspiration to color choices, design evolution, and how the project has grown into a full collection, this conversation explores the story behind one of Anne’s most beloved designs.

You’ll hear how the Eternity Shawl began, why it’s designed in the round, how Norwegian landscapes influenced the colors, and how knitters around the world have made it their own.

Whether you’re curious about the design process, love colorwork, or are thinking about knitting the Eternity Shawl yourself, this episode gives you the full story.

Click here to sign up to the waitlist

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:40 Meet Steph and Today’s Topic
01:13 The Eternity Shawl Reveal
03:12 Why It Was Created
07:47 Designing the Motif
12:23 Colors and Mountain Inspiration
17:19 Heirloom Uses and Sizing
20:09 Bunad Silver Connections
23:41 Community Photos and Variations
26:29 Color Planning Process
29:49 Choosing Super Soft Yarn
31:22 Sustainability and Sourcing
32:01 Mountain Color Inspiration
33:15 Colorway Help and Swatches
36:12 Purple Colorway Breakthrough
42:24 Pansies and Spring Hardy Flowers
44:37 Most Knit Patterns and Popularity
45:18 Eternity Coordinating Accessories
49:49 How the KAL Drip Works
50:59 Eternity Sweater Preview
53:18 Why the Annual Format
54:05 Waitlist and Launch Dates
55:23 Final Sign Off

Link to transcript and shownotes

Picking colours can feel intimidating – especially for a project like the Eternity Shawl with seven colours constantly interacting in different combinations.

In this Stranded Thought, Anne shares why picking colours is less about talent and more about experience. She reflects on testing combinations, why colours behave differently in colourwork, and how even experienced knitters rely on swatching and experimenting to find what works.

This episode is a gentle reminder that colour confidence is built over time – and that ripping back is simply part of the process.

Sign up for the Eternity Shawl waitlist here: https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/eternity-shawl-infoforation-LP

And keep an eye out for the upcoming colour workshop later this month.

In this episode, Anne and Steph explore what Easter looks like in Norway – and it’s probably very different from what you’re used to.

From week-long mountain trips and outdoor waffles to Easter chickens, mystery novels, and knitted decorations, Norwegian Easter traditions blend nature, culture, and cozy creativity.

You’ll hear about:

• Why Easter in Norway starts early and often means a full week off

• The tradition of going to the mountains

• Bringing spring indoors with branches and decorations

• Knitted Easter eggs and chickens

• Why Norwegians eat so many eggs

• Outdoor skiing, campfires, and Easter backpacks

• Kvikk Lunsj and Solo – the classic Easter treats

• Norway’s obsession with Easter crime stories

• Mystery stories on milk cartons

• Easter mystery knit-alongs and kaftas

This episode is a cozy cultural deep dive into one of Norway’s most unique seasonal traditions – where knitting, nature, and mystery all come together.

Click here to watch it on YouTube: Podcast Episode 50 on YouTube

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:40 Back From Vacation
01:27 Norway Easter Week Off
06:02 Mountains and Spring Light
07:12 Bringing Branches Indoors
11:00 Hanging Eggs and Knits
13:15 Feathers and Shrovetide
18:25 Tulips as Spring Signs
19:48 Outdoor Waffles Tradition
24:17 Easter Bunny Arrives
24:57 Easter Chickens Not Bunnies
26:10 Ski Trips And Campfires
27:59 Kvikk Lunsj Trail Chocolate
30:24 Solo Soda Easter Staple
31:46 Easter Crime Craze
35:18 Train Robbery Origin Story
37:19 Milk Carton Mysteries
42:45 Mystery Knit Along Kafta
47:31 Easter Knits And Farewell

Link to transcript and shownotes

In this relaxed episode, Anne and Steph record from two very different vacation spots – snowy Norwegian mountains and sunny Costa Rica. After the recent virtual retreat, both took a week away from work to recharge before returning to everyday life.

Of course, knitting still came along for the trip.

Anne and Steph chat about the projects they packed for travel knitting, including mittens, sweaters, and retreat samples. They also talk about yarn choices, gauge differences, and how even a small change in yarn thickness can make a surprising difference in how knitting feels in the hands.

Along the way, the conversation drifts into Norwegian knitting words, funny translation moments between Norwegian and English, and a few reflections from the retreat.

Toward the end of the episode, Anne shares a bit about the Perfect Fit workshop and why understanding simple fit tools can completely change how knitters approach sweater knitting.

A cozy, unscripted knitting conversation – just yarn, projects, and a little knitting talk from two different corners of the world.

Click here to watch it on YouTube: Podcast Episode 49 on YouTube

Timestamps

00:00 Vacation Podcast Setup
01:01 No Work Week Reset
02:52 Travel Knitting Mittens
04:15 Yarn Talk Gauge Feel
05:34 Sonda Yarn Saami Stories
07:21 Norwegian Knitting Words
08:09 Sun Wall Easter Weather
10:11 Orange Hat Surprise
11:20 Same Hat Many Colors
13:16 Packing for Photo Content
15:43 Project Planning for Travel
16:01 Retreat Cardigan Progress
17:31 Gifts and Sweater WIPs
18:43 Knitting in the Heat
20:16 Perfect Fit Workshop Updates
22:59 Why Fit Tools Matter
26:33 Wrapping Up and Next Time
28:02 Yarn Colors and Final Goodbye

Link to transcript and shownotes

In the past, most clothing was made to fit the person who would wear it. Today, we are used to buying standardized sizes designed for an “average” body.

But knitters have something special – we create our own garments.

In this short Stranded Thought episode, Anne reflects on why understanding garment fit is one of the most empowering skills a knitter can develop. With just a few foundational concepts and the right tools, you can move from hoping a sweater will fit to knitting with confidence that it will.

Anne also shares a bit about the Perfect Fit workshop, where she teaches the simple tools that help knitters understand patterns, measurements, and adjustments so their garments truly fit the body they are made for. Sign up for the workshop here: https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/perfect-fit-2026

A slightly unpolished podcast episode made from the mountains :D

During the recent retreat, one of Anne’s knitters inside Anne’s Norwegian Knitting community said she would happily pay good money for a course on how to fix mistakes in knitting.

It is a request Anne hears often. However, it is also a request she will most likely never meet.

Why?

Not every mistake is actually a mistake. And even when something does need fixing, the answer always depends on the context – the yarn, the placement, the project, and you.

In this episode, Anne talks about confidence, letting go of perfection, and why she won’t create a course on fixing mistakes in your knitting.

In this video-recorded episode, Anne and Steph are joined by three Level 2 knitters who share how Norwegian Knitting Magic Level 2 changed their confidence, their understanding of gauge, and the way their sweaters fit.

They talk about:
– Learning to adjust patterns to your own body
– Continental knitting and colorwork
– The power of community during live teaching
– Why some of them are already knitting their second (or third) Level 2 sweater
If you have ever knit a garment that didn’t quite fit the way you hoped, this episode is for you.

Learn more or sign up for Level 2 here: https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/2023_norwegian_knitting_magic-sp-2

Click here to watch it on YouTube: Podcast Episode 46 on YouTube

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and Guests
01:59 Meet Roseanne
03:23 Meet Terri
04:54 Meet Tiffany
13:34 Starting With Level Two
16:22 Skills Learned and Tools
17:33 Yarn Help and Sioux Fibers
20:22 Terri’s Sweater Breakthrough
23:26 Meaningful Color Choices
25:00 Community Support Hub
27:22 Is Level Two Right
28:39 Design Options Overview
30:02 Gon Sweater Origin
33:47 No Pressure Finish
36:25 Signup and Workshop
39:58 Replays and Tutorials
42:01 Next Projects Plans
44:26 Final Join and Wrap

Link to transcript and shownotes