Anne's Norwegian Knitting

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...

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:

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 ha...

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...

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 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...

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 walks through all twelve designs and reveals the deliberate variation behind them.  

Check out our February Mitten Bonanza Campaign HERE

🎥 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 through decades of Olympic knitwear, symbolism, fashion shifts, and craft, while Anne shares personal memories from the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics and the stories behind some of Norway’s most iconic knitted designs.

Click...

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 shares:

How to measure your hand for mittens

Why tight mittens are often colder than roomy ones

The importance of air pockets for warmth

Why...

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 architecture, stained glass, sacred spaces, and how history and place can be translated into knitted design.

A reflective episode about stone, light, and the stories we carry forward – in wool and beyond.

Link...

In this Stranded Thought, Anne reflects on the power of symbols – and why a simple knitted red hat has carried meaning across centuries.

The episode moves from the red caps of ancient Rome to the bonnet rouge of the French Revolution, and then to Norway during the Second World War, where red knitted hats became a quiet but powerful symbol of resistance.

Anne shares personal family history from the Norwegian resistance, including the events of April 9th, 1940, when German forces entered Norway via the Oslofjord, and how the delay of the warship Blücher made it...

In this week’s Stranded Thought, Anne reflects on how knitting patterns used to look – and how our expectations of them have changed.

Back in the day, even complex sweaters were knit from a single folded page with tiny text, small diagrams, and very few words. Today, patterns are longer, more detailed, and often expected to explain not just what to do, but why.

In this Stranded Thought, Anne explores the difference between:
– Patterns as instructions
– Teaching as a separate craft
– And why not everything needs to be understood right away to move forwa...

In this first Anne & Steph episode of 2026, they settle in for a reflective and honest – but also warm and smiling – conversation about transition: leaving one season behind and stepping into another, both in life and in knitting.

They talk openly about fear, habits, and what the past year has carried with it, while gently turning their attention toward what lies ahead. Along the way, they reflect on the value of knitting journals and creative notes, and why writing things down matters more than we think – especially over time.

The conversation also weaves through what’s happenin...

In this first Stranded Thought of 2026, Anne reflects on something she noticed while working on a long-awaited new design – the Eternity Sweater.

Using the same yarn, the same needles, and the same techniques she worked with five years ago when designing the Eternity Shawl, Anne discovered that the fabric had changed. Her gauge had shifted – quietly, consistently, and without drama.

This short episode is a reflection on experience, awareness, and why knitting doesn’t stand still – even when we think we’re doing everything the same way.

In this episode, Anne talks about:

When Tradition Is Not Copied – But Continued

In this Stranded Thought, Anne reflects on winter in Norway and pulls together the threads behind the 2026 Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat.

She shares why this year’s floral theme goes far beyond decoration, how Norwegian silver (sølje) has shaped her visual world since childhood, and how an inherited piece of silver revealed the inspiration behind the Eternity motif.

This episode explores tradition as something living – carried forward through hands, memory, and shared experiences – rather than something simply repeated.

The 2026 Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat takes pla...

In this episode, Anne and Steph step slightly away from the needles and dive deep into Norwegian culture and history.

While knitting is always close by, this conversation is less about stitches and techniques, and more about the traditions, beliefs, and seasonal rhythms that have shaped Norwegian life for centuries.

Together, they explore the Winter Solstice – the moment when the sun turns and the light slowly begins its return – and how people in Norway have marked this turning point through fire, candles, stories, and quiet rituals, long before modern Christmas took shape.

In this...

In this week’s Stranded Thought, Anne shares why she knits exclusively with natural fibres – and why acrylics, superwash yarns and other synthetics just don’t belong in her designs.

Anne offers a warm but clear reflection on sustainability, heritage and the materials we place in our hands.

A deeper conversation with Steph on this topic is coming later this winter – but for now, enjoy a short moment of pause and perspective.

In this episode, I sit down with Steph – our knitting coach, multitalented maker, and the one who brings so much depth, history and humour into our community.

We talk about her Norwegian heritage, her deep dive into Viking Age textiles, the unexpected twists that led her into knitting, and how her life experiences shape the way she teaches today. From woodcarving to quilt making, from Montana to Norwegian folk schools, from award-winning designs to her philosophy of “everything is fixable” – this conversation is full of heart. 

Full show notes can be found here

Tim...

Please keep in mind that this bonus episode was originally delivered on video, so you may hear moments that reference visuals or people on screen. The audio has been shared here for a short time only.

This bonus episode shares the audio from my recent information call – a simple, informal walkthrough of Levels 0, 1 and 2, along with the Mountain and Fjord Journeys. Many knitters asked for clarity before choosing their next step, so this audio-only version gives you the essential guidance without the visuals or the live-room moments.

Inside, you’ll hear how the levels fit toge...

In this week’s Stranded Thought, Anne reflects on a season filled with gratitude and how knitting brings calm, presence and steadiness into a fast–moving world. She shares how the community – from the early Mountain Journey members to the Northern Lights founding knitters – has shaped her days and continues to be one of the most meaningful parts of her work.

Inside the episode, Anne talks about:

– Noticing the small details through knitting
– Why process matters just as much as projects
– How community creates confidence, joy and connection
– What a full year in the Mountain...

In today’s Stranded Thought, Anne follows two gentle threads.

First, she shares that she’ll soon be interviewing Steph – her co-podcaster and knitting coach. Many listeners know Steph from the long Wednesday episodes and community calls, and for this upcoming conversation, Anne would love your help.
What would you like her to ask Steph?
Send in your questions, big or small.

The second thread is for anyone wondering about their next step in Norwegian knitting. While the Northern Light Journey is full, enrollment for the Fjord Journey and Levels 0, 1, and 2 is open now.

In this week’s Stranded Thoughts, Anne takes you on a gentle wander into the mountains – not literally, but in that soft, figurative way knitters understand so well.

She reflects on why the mountains are her happiest place, her reset button, and the landscape that shaped the structure of her knitting community. From the quiet, wide views that clear the mind to the deep inspiration found in the shifting seasons, this short episode offers a moment to breathe, reconnect, and remember why a change of perspective matters.

Anne also shares why everything in her world begi...

As the first snow falls (for some of us!) and November settles in, Anne and Steph invite you into their living room for a cozy chat about knitting, bread-baking, bulbs, and upcoming make-alongs.

They talk about:

Preparing for winter – the coziness of early snow, soup, and candles

The Mountain Journey community projects: Doll Make-Along, Bread Basket, and Pot Holder patterns

Felting tips and how to make your knitted bread basket stand firm

The “Winter Solstice Challenge” – planting bulbs and knitting pot covers

Ideas for the Christmas Stocking Knit Alo...

In this week’s Stranded Thought, Anne reflects on how small traditions grow – and how the Home Décor series inside the Mountain Journey has quietly become one of them.

This year’s new addition is the Bread Basket, released together with a Norwegian bread recipe and a reminder of last year’s Potholders. All three come together beautifully – a perfect blend of warmth, texture, and everyday Norwegian coziness.

Anne shares why she chooses white and green for her Christmas décor, what inspires the color palette, and how these projects invite calm and connectio...

In this episode of Anne’s Norwegian Knitting Conversations, Anne and Steph are joined by special guest Jan Griffin, a nurse practitioner and lifelong knitter, to explore the connection between knitting and mental health.

Together they talk about how the rhythmic movement of the needles can help us focus, calm the mind, and ease anxiety, and how creativity itself sparks the brain’s “feel-good” chemistry. Jan shares insights from her medical background on why repetitive handwork can lower cortisol, release dopamine and serotonin, and even help the brain form new pathways after stress or trauma.

They als...

In this episode Anne and Steph share their personal journeys of learning to knit – from childhood lessons with grandmothers to rediscovering knitting as adults. They explore how the craft evolves over a lifetime, why every knitter benefits from revisiting the basics, and how the Level Zero and Level One self-study courses are designed to support true beginners and experienced knitters alike. A warm, reflective conversation about learning, re-learning, and embracing the imperfect beginnings that lead to beautiful stitches.

They talk about:

On July 4th, 1825, the small ship Restoration left Stavanger with 52 people on board – the first Norwegian emigrants bound for North America.

Three months later, they arrived in New York, still 52 in number. One had stepped off before the open sea, and a baby had been born along the way.

In this episode, Anne reflects on how that first voyage shaped the lasting bond between Norway and North America – and how it continues to inspire the Anne’s Norwegian Knitting community, from the Virtual Retreat to the Yuletide Dolls.

Links mentioned in this ep...

In this cozy episode, Anne and Steph settle into the “living room” to talk about the last quarter of the year – the season of wool, warmth, and heirloom-making.

They share the story behind Nikoline & Nikolas, the much-loved Norwegian holiday dolls returning as this year’s Yuletide Make-Along, and how these small knitted figures grew from Anne’s own childhood memories into modern heirloom pieces.

You’ll also hear about:

The new felted bread basket – a small, cozy addition to Anne’s holiday series

Norwegian winter traditions, from Yule porridge to the folklore of the...

In this week’s Stranded Thoughts, Anne reflects on the rhythm of October and the joy of small projects. While sweaters and cardigans may dominate the season, it’s often the little knits – pumpkins, acorns, stockings, or a tiny doll – that slip between the bigger projects and bring unexpected joy.

These small stitches don’t just fill the gaps. Over time, they can grow into traditions, resurfacing year after year as markers of memory and meaning.

Anne shares why she treasures these kinds of projects, and why she’s bringing back the Yuletide dolls, Nikolas and Nicoline...

In this episode, Anne and Steph pull back the curtain on the 2026 Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat, a gathering where tradition, culture, and creativity come together in unforgettable ways.

They share stories from last year’s retreat from history-rich talks and breakout circles that felt like living room chats, to goodie bags filled with yarn, chocolate, and Norwegian treasures. And they reveal what’s blooming for 2026: the Norwegian Wildflowers theme, new patterns, cultural touchpoints, guest designers, and experiences that extend far beyond the retreat weekend.

It’s more than knitting. It’s an immersive journey into heritage...

This week’s Stranded Thought is a reflection on what makes the Virtual Knitting Retreat so special – and why it’s not about the patterns. Yes, you’ll receive exclusive designs, but they’re souvenirs of the experience, not the reason for it.

The true heart of the retreat is the retreat itself: stepping into Norwegian knitting and culture, hearing stories and traditions from incredible voices, and sharing a space that feels immersive and inspiring, even from your own living room.

Tune in for a few minutes of reflection ahead of Wednesday’s full podcast episode, whe...

In this episode, Anne and Steph sit down to talk about one of the most overlooked tools in knitting – the humble journal. They swap stories about their very different journaling styles: Anne with her bound, artful notebooks full of doodles and design sketches, and Steph with her graph paper, binders, and careful tabs.

Together, they explore how journaling helps knitters remember details that the brain never will – yarn labels, dye lots, needle sizes, stitch counts, gauge before and after washing, and those little adjustments that make a garment truly yours. Along the way, they share practical tips (like...

In this Stranded Thought, Anne lingers on the threads of tradition, culture, and memory that wove through Norwegian Wool Month 2025.

From sheep, spinners, and mills to the landscapes and communities that keep wool alive, the month was full of stories. One story in particular keeps calling Anne back: that of Marit Emstad, often called the mother of Selbu knitting.

You’ll hear how the Selbu rose – the iconic star-shaped motif – traveled across centuries and continents before becoming deeply rooted in one Norwegian village, and how it remains a powerful symbol of identity and craft today.

...

In this special episode of Anne’s Norwegian Knitting Conversations, Anne and Steph host a heartfelt panel chat with knitters from what was once called the Great Experience – now the Northern Lights Journey.

You’ll meet Carol, Sally, Jeanet, and Jan as they share:

How they discovered Anne’s Norwegian Knitting and the community that has grown around it

The projects that challenged them – from shawls and socks to sweaters and mittens – and what they learned along the way

Why community, encouragement, and detailed guidance make all the difference in their knitting jour...

What does it really mean to “know how to knit”?

In this Stranded Thought, Anne takes inspiration from the TV show So You Think You Can Dance to explore a familiar phrase she’s heard countless times:
“I thought I knew how to knit… but clearly I didn’t.”

Through stories of knitters who have joined her journeys – many of them with decades of experience – Anne reflects on why knitting is not just a skill to master once, but a lifelong journey of curiosity, humility, and growth.

Inside Anne’s Norwegian Knitting, it’s not about provi...

In this episode of Anne’s Norwegian Knitting Conversations, Anne hosts a lively panel chat with three knitters – Brenda, Yvonne, and Kristal – who share their experiences moving through Level 1 and Level 2 of the Fjord Journey.

Together they talk about learning new techniques, discovering the joy of continental knitting, mastering gauge, and the courage to choose colors that reflect both personality and inspiration from nature. You’ll hear stories of sweaters that finally fit, the shift from throwing to Continental, and the difference a safe and encouraging community makes when you’re learning something new.

Whether you’re cur...

In this episode of Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations, Anne takes us on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Norwegian wool production and knitting traditions.

As part of Norwegian Woman Month 2025, Anne is joined by Marte, representing a small family-run mill in Selbu, Norway, for an in-depth presentation originally recorded during Wool Month. Marte shares her personal stories, from childhood experiences with sheep and wool to the establishment and operations of the SELBU spinning mill. 

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Marte's personal journey: from childhood memories with sheep to running a spin...

In this episode of Anne’s Norwegian Knitting Conversations, Anne takes you on a tour of the three journeys that shape her knitting world – the Mountain, the Fjord, and the Northern Light.

Why are they called journeys, and not just memberships or levels? Because knitting is more than a skill – it’s a path of discovery. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a lifelong knitter, or someone in between, each journey offers a way to deepen your skills, connect with others, and find magic in your knitting.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:
–...

This is an audio replay of Anne’s Norwegian Wool Month presentation. It works on its own as a podcast, but it’s extra fun to watch on video to see the mill photos and yarns. You can watch it her on YouTube if you prefer that.

Anne takes us on a virtual trip to Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk — a fourth–generation family mill on Norway’s west coast — and explores how their history, processes, and color philosophy shape some of her favorite yarns and designs

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Anne’s own kni...

In this episode of ANS Norwegian Knitting Conversations, Anne and co-host Steph invite you into the heart of Anne’s Norwegian Knitting universe. Together, they unravel the three main journeys: Mountain, Fjord, and Northern Lights, each designed to meet knitters at different stages of their creative path.

Whether you’re just picking up your needles for the first time or seeking the thrill of intricate, advanced projects, this episode will help you discover where you fit in this vibrant knitting community.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

Mountain Journey - A warm welc...