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

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.me
Anne'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 [email protected] 
✨ 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

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.

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