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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 at Anne’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 Theme03:10 How the Session Works05:05 Centuries Old Maker Marks08:20 Trunks and Family Stories12:11 Purse Handles and Anno13:40 Wool Month Dates in Knits17:02 Symbols Before Literacy20:04 Why Dates and Initials Matter23:57 Norwegian Naming Traditions27:27 Patronymics and Swedish Banter32:31 Genealogy Naming Patterns36:06 Bringing Marks Into Today36:29 Reclaim Maker Identity37:16 DIY Knit Labels38:20 Stitching and Materials41:56 Merkelapp Tradition42:52 PDF Alphabet Download45:26 Audience Q and A52:11 Women and Craft Legacy57:37 Inheritance Rights Update01:02:07 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 Update00:28 Quality Over Quantity01:14 Heirlooms Wear Your Knits05:20 Speed Culture Rant08:31 Fast Knitter Example12:00 Tedious Sections Take Time16:21 Time Out Projects17:43 Continental For Health19:19 Perfect Vs And Gauge21:20 Practice With Small Projects22:39 Fixing Puckering Floats24:28 Ripping Back Lifelines26:13 Repeating Course Levels29:50 Progress Over Perfection31:28 Step Numbered Patterns36:05 Sister Pattern Struggles38:34 Brave Pattern Modifications40:35 Quality Over Quantity41:47 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 Return01:05 Football And Knitting04:38 What Is Wool Month05:47 Origin Story12:54 Naming The Event14:28 This Years Schedule16:54 Speakers And Recordings21:03 Why Selbu Matters24:43 Adding Lofoten Wool25:37 Crafting Association Finds26:21 Supporting Small Makers27:56 Lofoten Wool Journey29:28 Selbu Mitts Origins32:20 Cowl Pattern Showcase34:59 Socks Year Challenge36:23 This Year Hat Plan38:38 Yarn Notes Gimra40:23 Wool Month Panels44:31 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 Podcast00:40 Episode Setup with Steph01:13 What Is a Bunad01:59 Cost and Making One03:33 Rules and Bunad Police05:24 Regional Styles and Roots06:22 Inclusion and Access Debates07:47 Modern Fantasy Bunads08:59 When Bunads Are Worn10:30 Origins and 1905 Context10:59 Norway History Crash Course17:08 May 17 Traditions Today18:43 Preserving Bunads by Region20:07 Colors Motifs and Rosemaling21:20 Norway Regions Explained22:51 Steph Trondelag Bunad Tour24:50 Shoes Socks and Silver Details27:07 Hand Sewing and Embroidery28:52 Anne Shows Family Bunad Photos31:58 Bunad Silver Clasps and Brooches33:10 Filigree Jewelry Roots33:57 Family Bunad Photos35:18 Embroidery Details Up Close36:20 Rondastakk Origins37:59 Hardanger Beading39:48 Hair Rules and Bands41:15 Mom’s Bunad Shawl42:56 Marie On Bunad Story44:57 Embroidery Process46:29 Mike’s Men’s Vest49:13 Bunad Socks Class52:45 Looped Hat Tradition53:43 Wedding Outfit Wow55:42 Bunad Tradition Today56:58 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 Podcast01:21 Why Talk About Color03:19 Color Anxiety and Learning08:40 Nature as Inspiration12:53 Swatching and Favorite Colors15:34 Colorways for the Shawl18:58 Tools for Fair Isle Color21:57 When Color Tests Fail24:20 Neutrals With a Pop26:27 Color Pops in Rows27:10 Brown Gray Colorway29:10 Spring Greens Inspiration30:55 Purple Lovers Challenge31:42 Sitting Pad Color Scheme35:28 Swatch Reveal and Contrast40:41 Bed of Roses Palette43:13 Swatching Before Big Knits44:44 Workshop Dates and Signup48:35 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 Podcast00:40 Meet Anne and Steph01:34 Why Pockets Matter02:50 Bunad Pocket Origins04:03 Steph Textile Expertise05:27 Designing the Modern Pocket08:18 Personalizing with Embroidery10:52 Bunad Standardization Story12:12 Pocket Show and Tell15:58 Pockets Around the World17:52 Fashion Dolls and Trends19:04 Fashion Dolls Pockets20:17 Women Banned Pockets21:14 Norwegian Clasps Art21:51 Initials And Heirlooms25:22 Pocket Keepsakes Hair26:49 Designing Our Pocket28:37 Pattern Challenge Ideas30:37 Tutorials Assembly Help34:23 Yarn Gauge Gift Plans36:24 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 Podcast00:40 Meet Steph and Today’s Topic01:13 The Eternity Shawl Reveal03:12 Why It Was Created07:47 Designing the Motif12:23 Colors and Mountain Inspiration17:19 Heirloom Uses and Sizing20:09 Bunad Silver Connections23:41 Community Photos and Variations26:29 Color Planning Process29:49 Choosing Super Soft Yarn31:22 Sustainability and Sourcing32:01 Mountain Color Inspiration33:15 Colorway Help and Swatches36:12 Purple Colorway Breakthrough42:24 Pansies and Spring Hardy Flowers44:37 Most Knit Patterns and Popularity45:18 Eternity Coordinating Accessories49:49 How the KAL Drip Works50:59 Eternity Sweater Preview53:18 Why the Annual Format54:05 Waitlist and Launch Dates55:23 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 Podcast00:40 Back From Vacation01:27 Norway Easter Week Off06:02 Mountains and Spring Light07:12 Bringing Branches Indoors11:00 Hanging Eggs and Knits13:15 Feathers and Shrovetide18:25 Tulips as Spring Signs19:48 Outdoor Waffles Tradition24:17 Easter Bunny Arrives24:57 Easter Chickens Not Bunnies26:10 Ski Trips And Campfires27:59 Kvikk Lunsj Trail Chocolate30:24 Solo Soda Easter Staple31:46 Easter Crime Craze35:18 Train Robbery Origin Story37:19 Milk Carton Mysteries42:45 Mystery Knit Along Kafta47:31 Easter Knits And Farewell Link to transcript and shownotes