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 writing in full sentences so your notes make sense years later) and personal reflections on why these records matter.

But it’s not just about efficiency – knitting journals can become creative outlets, cultural records, and companions on your knitting journey. Whether you’re tracking your progress, planning a design, or simply capturing the joy of a finished sweater, a knitting journal can turn fleeting stitches into lasting memories.

See full show notes and transcript here

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.

This episode is a reflection on how knitting traditions are never frozen in time. Each stitch we make carries history forward, connects us to one another, and creates heirlooms for future generations.

Anne also looks ahead to the Norwegian Virtual Knitting Retreat in early 2026 – a chance to continue exploring wool, culture, and connection together.

Why Norwegian Wool Month is about more than yarn

 The story of Marit Emstad and the Selbu rose

How a motif can travel across continents and centuries

Tradition as something living, moving, and evolving

Carrying history forward in every stitch we knit

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 journeys

Personal stories of finding connection, creativity, and confidence through Norwegian traditions

This episode is filled with warmth, laughter, and the reminder that knitting is never just about stitches – it’s about belonging, growth, and joy.

✨ Sign-ups for the Northern Lights may be closed at the time you listen, but you can always join the waitlist to be first in line for the next opening.

 👉 Join the Northern Lights waitlist here

👉 Get the complete show notes and transcript here

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 proving what you already know. It’s about arriving with an open heart, ready to learn, to share, and to move forward together in community.

🎧 Listen in, and maybe you’ll find yourself asking: what more might be waiting in your knitting journey? 

Want to join us for one of the Journeys? Check it out here

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 curious about the Fjord Journey or simply want to hear the voices of fellow knitters who have taken the leap, this episode is full of warmth, honesty, and inspiration.

For full transcript, pictures and show notes, click here

To read more about the Journeys click here

00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations
00:40 Introduction to Today's Panel Chat
01:10 Restructuring and New Offerings
03:22 Meet the Panel: Brenda, Yvonne, and Crystal
03:59 Brenda's Knitting Journey
04:23 Yvonne's Knitting Experience
04:57 Crystal's Color Work and Sizing Insights
22:05 Practical Knitting Tips and Techniques
23:03 Choosing Colors and Community Support
24:32 The Importance of a Positive Learning Environment
28:05 Personal Stories and Experiences
38:59 Course Structure and Offerings
43:10 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

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. 

Marte's personal journey: from childhood memories with sheep to running a spinning mill

The story of SELBU Spinneri: preserving small-scale wool production

Wool’s path through the mill: sorting, washing, drying, and spinning

Insights into carding, combing, plying, and hand-dyeing yarn

How small mills balance tradition with modern needs

Sustainability and biodiversity in sheep breeds

Challenges and opportunities for Norwegian wool in a global market

Q&A and closing reflections from Wool Month

00:00 Introduction to ANS Norwegian Knitting Conversations
01:04 Special Guest Introduction and Event Overview
02:23 Meet Marte: A Journey into Wool
05:03 The Story of SELBU Spinneri: From Family Tradition to Business
11:53 The Importance of Wool Sorting and Spinning
22:46 SELBU Spinneri's Commitment to Quality and Tradition
26:34 Manual Wool Sorting Process
26:59 Small Scale Spinning Mill Operations
27:43 Wool Processing Techniques
28:49 Washing and Drying Wool
30:50 Carding and Combing Wool
32:52 Spinning and Plying Yarn
34:18 Hand Dyeing and Finishing Yarn
38:05 Global Shipping and Distribution
42:32 Sustainable Wool Practices
45:48 Q&A and Final Thoughts

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:
– What the Mountain journey is and why it’s the perfect starting point
– How the Fjord journey takes you deeper into colorwork, garments, and gauge
– Why the Northern Light journey is about magic, intimacy, and community
– Stories from knitters who discovered that learning never stops – no matter your age or experience
– Anne’s reflections on knitting as a lifelong journey of growth, curiosity, and connection

If you’ve ever wondered which path might be for you – or why knitting is best seen as a journey rather than a destination – this episode is for you.

👉 If you want to learn more about the journeys or book a call with Anne check out this page here.

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 knitting journey and connection to Norwegian wool

A guided virtual tour of Hillesvåg Yarn Mill

The wool’s path: from fleece to finished yarn

Insights into dyeing, yarn varieties, and colorwork

How to combine yarns for unique knitting projects

Introducing new patterns and project ideas

Sock yarn tips and needle preferences

Where to source Norwegian yarns globally

Sneak peek at upcoming events and courses

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to ANS Norwegian Knitting Conversations
00:40 – Replay of Norwegian Wool Month Presentation
01:13 – Tour of Hillesvåg Yarn Mill
03:20 – Anne’s Knitting Journey & Wool Month Overview
10:31 – Inside the Yarn Mill: From fleece to finished yarn
27:26 – Yarn dyeing & final processing magic
29:43 – Yarn varieties, designs & color schemes
32:42 – Creative yarn combinations for unique projects
35:03 – New patterns & exciting project ideas
45:42 – Sock yarns & needle preferences
48:08 – Global suppliers & availability tips
53:51 – Upcoming events & closing thoughts

 For Full Show Notes and Transcript Click Here.

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 welcome for beginners and community enthusiasts, starting with Level Zero, where you’ll master the basics of continental knitting.

Fjord Journey - Dive deeper with Level One for two-color knitting and Level Two for advanced sweaters, cardigans, and perfect-fit techniques.

Northern Lights Journey -The pinnacle challenge, Level Three, for adventurous knitters ready for complex designs and cultural richness.

Insights into weekly live classes, cultural learning, and Norwegian-inspired recipes.

Behind-the-scenes on how courses are structured, repeated, and scheduled for year-round learning.

Special offerings like new patterns, retreats, and exclusive community support.

Not sure where you fit? Book a one-on-one talk with Anne and discover your perfect journey. Click HERE to book a 1:1 

 For Full Show Notes and Transcript Click Here.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome & Introductions
01:03 Restructuring into Three Journeys
03:26 Overview – Mountain, Fjord & Northern Lights
05:53 Mountain Level – Community, Patterns & Cultural Learning
28:09 Level Zero – Continental Knitting Basics
34:43 Level One – Two-Color Knitting, Live Support & Gauge
45:17 Level Two – Perfect Fit, Sweater Adjustments & Advanced Techniques
51:42 Fjord Level – Full Program, Offers & Pricing
56:25 Northern Lights – Level Three Challenge & Extras
01:11:56 Community, Support & Closing

In this episode of Stranded Thoughts, Anne reflects on a deceptively simple – yet incredibly powerful – idea: how knowing your gauge can transform the way you knit socks… and everything else.

Yes, it sounds practical. But it’s also magic.

Anne shares a piece of advice she once received:
“If you know how to knit socks, you know all the techniques you need to create anything.”

Mentioned in this episode:
- The new Norwegian Wool Month sock pattern – including notes on gauge flexibility
- Live and recorded support inside the Nook this month
- A reminder to write down what you do when experimenting – because you won’t remember it next week!

🎧 Listen now to discover why socks are more than practical – they’re powerful.
And if you’re feeling brave: swatch, measure, and play. You’re ready.