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

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

00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations
00:40 Introduction to Today's Episode
01:02 Relaunching the Nidaros Sweater Pattern
03:20 The Historical Significance of Nidaros
04:20 The Viking Age and Christianity in Norway
05:12 The Nidaros Cathedral: Architecture and Stories
15:34 The Rose Window and Its Significance
20:07 The Organs and Altars of Nidaros Cathedral
25:39 Personal Reflections and Experiences
29:13 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

00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations
01:08 Reflecting on 2025 and Welcoming 2026
02:09 A Personal Story: Fear of Snakes
07:37 New Year Resolutions and Goals
14:36 Knitting Journals and Creative Projects
18:15 The Eternity Sweater Project
19:19 The Challenge of the New Design
19:52 Importance of Keeping a Journal
21:39 New Beginnings in the Community
23:32 Upcoming Pattern Release: Anita Aspires
28:46 Encouragement for New Knitters
33:02 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:

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.

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 [email protected] 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:

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

00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations
00:40 Introduction to the Episode: The Darkness
01:06 Winter Solstice in Norway
01:45 The Concept of 'Don' and Heavy Water
03:14 The Story of Heavy Water Sabotage
05:24 Mirrors Reflecting Sunlight in Norwegian Valleys
07:11 Understanding Winter Solstice
08:15 Worldwide Winter Solstice Traditions
08:55 Viking Age Winter Solstice Celebrations
11:33 Christianity and Modern Norwegian Christmas Traditions
11:58 Norwegian Christmas Lights and Decorations
15:56 Christianity's Influence on Viking Traditions
16:17 The Origins and Characteristics of the Nisa
17:13 Nisa's Role on the Farm and Winter Solstice Traditions
18:35 Modern Interpretations and Misconceptions of the Nisa
21:49 Norwegian Christmas Traditions and Observations
23:49 Christmas Eve Celebrations in Norway
27:32 The Joy of Preparing for Christmas
30:11 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

00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations
00:39 Meet Steph: Team Anne's Knitting Coach
02:18 Steph's Norwegian Heritage and Family Stories
07:14 Steph's Knitting Journey: From Childhood to College
10:21 Diving into Viking Age Textiles
18:42 Joining Anne's Knitting Community
24:53 Norwegian Home Traditions and Decor
29:06 Grandma's Handmade Curtains
31:09 Home Decor Traditions
32:23 Dream Projects and Creative Aspirations
37:00 Designing Patterns: Challenges and Achievements
48:03 Knitting Philosophy and Evolution
50:02 Community and Connection
54:42 Final Thoughts and Farewell