Anne's Norwegian Knitting

Why Aren't Your Colors Working? | Stranded Thoughts Why do some color combinations make a Norwegian knitting motif stand out beautifully, while others seem to make it disappear? In this episode of Stranded Thoughts, I'm talking about choosing colors for stranded knitting, why it comes naturally to some knitters while others find it challenging, and how traditional Norwegian colorwork differs from...

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 s...

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 apar...

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...

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 , happeni...

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. T...

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 Kin...

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...

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...

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 W...

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 Mont...

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 a...

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 ch...

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...

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 th...

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...

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 of...

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,...

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 conce...

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 whe...

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 kni...

This episode is best watched on video here: https://youtu.be/iBVKc_Q8YkQ In this week’s Stranded Thought, Anne takes you behind the stitches and into the full world of the Mitten Bonanza.  What started with a new blue and white January mitten – designed with a little Valentine feeling in mind – opens into a deeper conversation: a mitten is not just a mitten. From January to December, Anne wal...

🎥 This episode is especially well suited for watching , as many sweaters, hats, and historical details are shown and discussed on screen. The link to the YouTube video for this episode is further down. Anne and Steph explore the deep connection between Norwegian knitting and the Winter Olympics – how sweaters, hats, and motifs became carriers of identity, history, and national pride. They move th...

Measuring mittens sounds technical, but it’s really about something much more important: warmth. In this episode, Anne talks about how to measure for mittens, why ease matters, and how fit affects warmth far more than exact numbers. Inspired by a recent question inside the Level 1 self-study course, this episode explores mitten sizing as a practical, lived experience – not just a calculation. Anne...

In this episode, Anne and Steph explore the history and atmosphere behind the Nidaros Spires sweater, drawing inspiration from Nidaros Cathedral – Norway’s most important medieval cathedral. They talk about Trondheim’s role during the Viking Age, the story of Saint Olaf , and how the cathedral reflects Norway’s transition from Norse traditions to Christianity. Along the way, they touch on architec...