Anne's Norwegian 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 sweaterIf 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 Guests01:59 Meet Roseanne03:23 Meet Terri04:54 Meet Tiffany13:34 Starting With Level Two16:22 Skills Learned and Tools17:33 Yarn Help and Sioux Fibers20:22 Terri’s Sweater Breakthrough23:26 Meaningful Color Choices25:00 Community Support Hub27:22 Is Level Two Right28:39 Design Options Overview30:02 Gon Sweater Origin33:47 No Pressure Finish36:25 Signup and Workshop39:58 Replays and Tutorials42:01 Next Projects Plans44:26 Final Join and Wrap Link to transcript and shownotes

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 here to watch it on YouTube: Podcast Episode 44 on YouTube   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations00:40 Recording the Podcast on Video02:57 Honoring the Mountains with Our Sweaters04:21 Winter Olympics and Knitting History07:04 Iconic Norwegian Knitwear in the Olympics14:49 The Little Devil Hat and Its History19:08 Evolution of Norwegian Olympic Sweaters26:21 1990s Fashion: Bold Identity and Oversized Styles27:22 Olympic Knits: A Journey Through Time29:26 Personal Knitting Stories and Olympic Memories31:31 Iconic Norwegian Sweaters and Their Evolution34:13 Norwegian Craftsmanship at the Olympics39:59 Modern Olympic Knits and Their Unique Designs47:00 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections   Link to transcript and shownotes

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 cuffs and thumbs matter more than length When it’s better to size up rather than down   🎁 Podcast listener bonus: Use the coupon code found below to get 20% off Mitten Bonanza. The code is valid until February 28, 2026. 👉 https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/offers/FedoFeVG/checkout  👉 Coupon code: FEB2026   About the Mitten Bonanza Anne has created Mitten Bonanza – a self-study mitten collection designed to build confidence and understanding. It includes: 12 mitten patterns – one for each month Around 30 technique tutorials covering everything you need for mitten knitting Clear, well-written patterns that guide you through construction and fit It’s not about speed or shortcuts – it’s about understanding mittens so you can knit them with confidence.  

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 to transcript and shownotes   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations00:40 Introduction to Today's Episode01:02 Relaunching the Nidaros Sweater Pattern03:20 The Historical Significance of Nidaros04:20 The Viking Age and Christianity in Norway05:12 The Nidaros Cathedral: Architecture and Stories15:34 The Rose Window and Its Significance20:07 The Organs and Altars of Nidaros Cathedral25:39 Personal Reflections and Experiences29:13 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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 possible for the Norwegian king and government to escape. The episode also explores how red hats were later officially banned by occupying forces – a reminder of how much meaning a handmade object can carry. This is a reflection on knitting, history, heritage, and why symbolic acts – even quiet ones – matter.

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 forward She also shares a familiar moment from her teaching: when the explanation hasn’t quite landed yet – and why sometimes the best thing you can do is simply follow the next step and let understanding come later. A thoughtful reflection on trust, learning, and letting the knitting lead the way.

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 happening in the knitting world right now, with updates on courses, upcoming patterns, and a warm reminder that there is no such thing as “not a real knitter”. It’s a calm, thoughtful, and quietly joyful conversation, with laughter woven through the reflections – the kind of episode that keeps you company as you knit, one stitch at a time.   Link to transcript and shownotes   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations01:08 Reflecting on 2025 and Welcoming 202602:09 A Personal Story: Fear of Snakes07:37 New Year Resolutions and Goals14:36 Knitting Journals and Creative Projects18:15 The Eternity Sweater Project19:19 The Challenge of the New Design19:52 Importance of Keeping a Journal21:39 New Beginnings in the Community23:32 Upcoming Pattern Release: Anita Aspires28:46 Encouragement for New Knitters33:02 Podcast Plans for the New Year

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: Working with the same yarn across different projects and years How gauge can change over time, even for experienced knitters Why swatching isn’t insecurity – it’s responsibility How experience shows up in the fabric before we name it as growth A grounded reminder that the yarn didn’t change – but the knitter did.

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 place in February – March 2026 and is a fully live experience, with conversations, sit-and-knit sessions, and cultural storytelling happening in real time. The December campaign price is available until the winter solstice.  Link to Signup/Information Page and if you need to send us an email, send it to hello@varmdesign.no and we will get back to you soon. Until next time – knit some beautiful stitches.

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 episode, we talk about: What the Winter Solstice means in Norway – “when the sun turns” Living with very little daylight, and why light matters so deeply Norwegian valleys that use mirrors to reflect sunlight into town during the darkest weeks Viking Age solstice celebrations and the festival of Jul How pagan traditions blended into Christian and modern Christmas customs Why candles and stars fill Norwegian windows every December The Nisse – his origins, role, and common misunderstandings Norwegian Christmas Eve traditions and the slow rhythm of the season Why the weeks leading up to Christmas often matter more than Christmas Day itself A quiet Icelandic tradition of books, chocolate, and reading on Christmas Eve This is a reflective, story-rich episode about culture, history, and the return of the light – with knitting as a quiet companion rather than the main focus.   Link to transcript and shownotes   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations00:40 Introduction to the Episode: The Darkness01:06 Winter Solstice in Norway01:45 The Concept of 'Don' and Heavy Water03:14 The Story of Heavy Water Sabotage05:24 Mirrors Reflecting Sunlight in Norwegian Valleys07:11 Understanding Winter Solstice08:15 Worldwide Winter Solstice Traditions08:55 Viking Age Winter Solstice Celebrations11:33 Christianity and Modern Norwegian Christmas Traditions11:58 Norwegian Christmas Lights and Decorations15:56 Christianity's Influence on Viking Traditions16:17 The Origins and Characteristics of the Nisa17:13 Nisa's Role on the Farm and Winter Solstice Traditions18:35 Modern Interpretations and Misconceptions of the Nisa21:49 Norwegian Christmas Traditions and Observations23:49 Christmas Eve Celebrations in Norway27:32 The Joy of Preparing for Christmas30:11 Icelandic Christmas Traditions and Final Thought

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   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations00:39 Meet Steph: Team Anne's Knitting Coach02:18 Steph's Norwegian Heritage and Family Stories07:14 Steph's Knitting Journey: From Childhood to College10:21 Diving into Viking Age Textiles18:42 Joining Anne's Knitting Community24:53 Norwegian Home Traditions and Decor29:06 Grandma's Handmade Curtains31:09 Home Decor Traditions32:23 Dream Projects and Creative Aspirations37:00 Designing Patterns: Challenges and Achievements48:03 Knitting Philosophy and Evolution50:02 Community and Connection54:42 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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 together, what each journey includes, and the kinds of projects and skills you can expect. It’s a friendly, helpful overview designed to make your next decision feel clear and grounded. In this episode, you’ll hear: – A walkthrough of Levels 0, 1 and 2 – The differences between the Mountain Journey and the Fjord Journey – How the courses build and connect – Tips on choosing where to begin – Answers to common questions from knitters who attended live Availability: This bonus episode will be available for a short time only. Links mentioned in this episode:Book a 1:1 with anne: https://annesnorwegianknitting-9.youcanbook.meAnne's Norwegian Knitting web page: https://annesnorwegianknitting.com  

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 or Fjord can offer At the end, you’re invited to an informal information call on Tuesday, December 2nd – a friendly overview of Level 0, Level 1, Level 2, the Mountain Journey and the Fjord Journey. To register click HERE      

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. Fjord and Level 2 close on December 7, and live teaching for Level 1 begins in January. To help you find clarity, Anne is hosting a live information call on Wednesday, November 26 at 9 p.m. CET (not recorded). She’ll walk through the options and answer questions directly. Time zones:  8 p.m. UK/Ireland / 3 p.m. Eastern / 2 p.m. Central / 1 p.m. Mountain / 12 p.m. Pacific Two threads today: ✨ Send your questions for the Steph interview to hello@varmdesign.no  ✨ Join the information call if you want guidance on the next step. Register here! Check out the overview page here Check out the Google doc here

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 begins in the Mountain Journey – the first layer of her three–part membership shaped after the Norwegian landscape – and why now is a special moment to join. Read more and join the Mountain Journey: https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/Mountain_Journey .

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 Along and the joy of slow festive knitting Upcoming patterns and seasonal projects: acorns, pumpkins, angels, trees and stars How small handmade traditions bring calm and connection during the busiest time of year Anne also shares a little Norwegian perspective on bulbs (“flower onions” in Norwegian!) and the history behind the word for Christmas – Jul – and how old traditions still live on in modern Norway. Join the Mountain Journey community to knit along with us this season – and receive the Tree Festival Pattern Collection as a bonus when you join in November or December. Link to transcript and shownotes   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Anne’s Norwegian Knitting Conversations 00:40 Cozy Conversations in the Living Room 01:09 Winter Preparations and First Snow 02:19 Knitting Projects and Color Choices 05:37 Doll Make-Along and Creative Mixes 07:19 Bread Basket Knitting and Felting Tips 14:06 Weekend Plans and Cozy Challenges 17:28 Discovering the Perfect Bulbs 18:31 Choosing the Right Flowers for Christmas 19:47 Where to Find Your Bulbs 20:22 Join the Winter Solstice Challenge 22:27 Christmas Stocking Knit Along 25:43 Seasonal Patterns and Projects 31:25 Norwegian Traditions and Heritage 32:18 Join the Community and Enjoy the Journey 37:18 Final Thoughts and Farewell  

  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 connection during the holiday season. Join the Mountain Journey Want to knit along with us this season? Join the Mountain Journey (formerly known as the Nook) – our cozy knitting community where new patterns, tutorials, and traditions come to life all year round. 👉 Click here to join the Mountain Journey   

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 also discuss how community and connection – from knitting circles to online gatherings – can help ease loneliness and support emotional healing. Whether you turn to knitting for comfort, mindfulness, or simply the joy of making something beautiful, this conversation will remind you that every stitch holds more power than you might think.   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations 00:40 Welcoming Steph and Special Guest Jan Griffin 02:00 Jan's Knitting Journey and Early Experiences 03:29 Mental Health Benefits of Knitting 07:58 Knitting and Focus: Personal Stories 09:09 The Science Behind Knitting's Therapeutic Effects 14:28 Knitting for Trauma and Emotional Healing 24:14 The Emotional and Social Benefits of Knitting 27:03 Knitting in Schools and Therapy 29:44 Addressing Loneliness Through Knitting Communities 34:12 Knitting's Role in Mental Health and Wellness 35:28 Knitting Across Generations 44:50 Knitting in Public and Its Impact 46:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   See full show notes and transcript here.