In this short reflection, Anne shares the meaning behind the Norwegian word dal – valley – and how this quiet, powerful landscape continues to shape her life, her knitting, and her sense of freedom.

Recorded during her visit to Setesdal, one of Norway’s most historically rich regions, Anne explores how valleys give shape to mountains, and how being nestled between them brings both perspective and peace. She reflects on her deep connection to the mountains and the hidden meaning behind names like Hemsedal and Setesdal, which are more than just destinations – they're stories.

This episode is a quiet walk through language, memory, and meaning – an invitation to pause and notice the places that hold us, shape us, and inspire what we create with our hands.

Mentioned in this episode:

The meaning and use of dal in Norwegian place names

Hemsedal, Anne’s beloved mountain home

Setesdal, a valley rich with Viking and Iron Age history

The feeling of standing in a valley and looking toward freedom

A quiet hint of a future knitting pattern inspired by Setesdal

This week, Anne shares a story that starts with chocolate and ends with a classic Norwegian expression – one that might just surprise you.

You’ll meet the iconic Kvikk Lunsj (Norway’s beloved hiking chocolate), learn why it's definitely not a Kit Kat, and discover the deeper meaning behind the phrase:

"To swear in church" (å banne i kirka)

Because, really – some things are sacred. Like Kvikk Lunsj.

What Kvikk Lunsj is – and why Norwegians treasure it

The cultural importance of food, tradition, and language

Why calling Kvikk Lunsj a “Norwegian Kit Kat” is practically a scandal

A peek into the Norwegian phrase “å banne i kirka”

And a question for you: Have you ever sworn in church? (Not literally, of course…)

Banne i kirka – “To swear in church”
Used when someone says or does something so wildly inappropriate (in context) that it feels like a cultural faux pas

In this cozy and inspiring conversation, Anne and Steph chat with special guest Suzanne Ullrich – knitter, entrepreneur, and founder of SU Fibers. From a twisted shawl mishap to a full-blown yarn business, Suzanne shares how her love of color, numbers, and service led her to become a beloved part of Anne’s Norwegian Knitting community.

Whether you’ve met her through The Nook, Norwegian Knitting Magic, or just love hearing about yarn dreams turned real, this one’s for you.

Go here for Transcript and more Show Notes

Welcome to the very first mini episode of Stranded Thoughts—a weekly dose of Norwegian knitting reflections, fun facts, and language quirks from Anne.

In this debut episode, Anne unravels a common source of confusion for English-speaking knitters: why she sometimes says “knit the purl stitches” in her classes – and what she really means!

🌟 You’ll hear about:

The charming linguistic tangle between Norwegian and English knitting terms

Why the word strikke in Norwegian covers all kinds of stitches

The cultural nuance behind “rett” (right) and “vrang” (wrong) stitches

And this week’s featured Norwegian word: vrang – stubborn, inside out, and full of meaning

Whether you’ve ever puzzled over pattern instructions or just love words as much as wool, this episode is for you.

📌 Mentioned in this episode:

Norwegian word of the week: vrang (pronounced [vr-ahng]) – meaning wrong side, inside out, or even stubborn

rett maske = knit stitch (literally: right stitch)

vrang maske = purl stitch (literally: wrong stitch)

🧵 Heads up: “Knit the purl” may not mean what you think – it’s just Norwegian-English translation mischief!

Thanks for listening—and remember:
Knit your knits and purl your purls!

In this episode of Anne's Norwegian Knitting Podcast, Anne and Steph discuss the origins of their podcast and delve into Anne's personal journey with knitting. They highlight the collaborative nature of their team and announce their commitment to creating regular podcast content. Anne reflects on how her knitting journey was influenced by family traditions and the unique creative process that led her to design signature patterns such as the Mountain Rose and the February Knit Bliss hat. They also explore Anne’s unique approach to pattern creation and the evolution of her business model to focus on community, history, and a love for knitting. Highlighting the creative inspirations and pivotal moments that shaped her career, Anne emphasizes her passion for fostering a supportive and enriching knitting community. 

For transcript and show notes CLICK HERE