Anne's Norwegian Knitting

When Tradition Is Not Copied – But Continued 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: What the Winter Solstice means in Norway – “when the sun turns” Living with very little daylight, and why light matters so deeply Norwegian valleys that use mirrors to reflect sunlight into town during the darkest weeks Viking Age solstice celebrations and the festival of Jul How pagan traditions blended into Christian and modern Christmas customs Why candles and stars fill Norwegian windows every December The Nisse – his origins, role, and common misunderstandings Norwegian Christmas Eve traditions and the slow rhythm of the season Why the weeks leading up to Christmas often matter more than Christmas Day itself A quiet Icelandic tradition of books, chocolate, and reading on Christmas Eve 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 Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations00:40 Introduction to the Episode: The Darkness01:06 Winter Solstice in Norway01:45 The Concept of 'Don' and Heavy Water03:14 The Story of Heavy Water Sabotage05:24 Mirrors Reflecting Sunlight in Norwegian Valleys07:11 Understanding Winter Solstice08:15 Worldwide Winter Solstice Traditions08:55 Viking Age Winter Solstice Celebrations11:33 Christianity and Modern Norwegian Christmas Traditions11:58 Norwegian Christmas Lights and Decorations15:56 Christianity's Influence on Viking Traditions16:17 The Origins and Characteristics of the Nisa17:13 Nisa's Role on the Farm and Winter Solstice Traditions18:35 Modern Interpretations and Misconceptions of the Nisa21:49 Norwegian Christmas Traditions and Observations23:49 Christmas Eve Celebrations in Norway27:32 The Joy of Preparing for Christmas30:11 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 Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations00:39 Meet Steph: Team Anne's Knitting Coach02:18 Steph's Norwegian Heritage and Family Stories07:14 Steph's Knitting Journey: From Childhood to College10:21 Diving into Viking Age Textiles18:42 Joining Anne's Knitting Community24:53 Norwegian Home Traditions and Decor29:06 Grandma's Handmade Curtains31:09 Home Decor Traditions32:23 Dream Projects and Creative Aspirations37:00 Designing Patterns: Challenges and Achievements48:03 Knitting Philosophy and Evolution50:02 Community and Connection54:42 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.meAnne's Norwegian Knitting web page: https://annesnorwegianknitting.com