Anne's Norwegian Knitting

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