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

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 hands. Along the way, the conversation drifts into Norwegian knitting words, funny translation moments between Norwegian and English, and a few reflections from the retreat. Toward the end of the episode, Anne shares a bit about the Perfect Fit workshop and why understanding simple fit tools can completely change how knitters approach sweater knitting. A cozy, unscripted knitting conversation – just yarn, projects, and a little knitting talk from two different corners of the world.   Click here to watch it on YouTube: Podcast Episode 49 on YouTube   Timestamps 00:00 Vacation Podcast Setup01:01 No Work Week Reset02:52 Travel Knitting Mittens04:15 Yarn Talk Gauge Feel05:34 Sonda Yarn Saami Stories07:21 Norwegian Knitting Words08:09 Sun Wall Easter Weather10:11 Orange Hat Surprise11:20 Same Hat Many Colors13:16 Packing for Photo Content15:43 Project Planning for Travel16:01 Retreat Cardigan Progress17:31 Gifts and Sweater WIPs18:43 Knitting in the Heat20:16 Perfect Fit Workshop Updates22:59 Why Fit Tools Matter26:33 Wrapping Up and Next Time28:02 Yarn Colors and Final Goodbye   Link to transcript and shownotes

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 the Perfect Fit workshop, where she teaches the simple tools that help knitters understand patterns, measurements, and adjustments so their garments truly fit the body they are made for. Sign up for the workshop here: https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/perfect-fit-2026 

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 episode, Anne talks about confidence, letting go of perfection, and why she won’t create a course on fixing mistakes in your 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