Anne's Norwegian Knitting

Anne Fjeld

Hi, and welcome to Anne’s Norwegian Knitting – Conversations Where Knitting Meets Culture, Heart, and History.

  1. 1 day ago

    60: More Than Knitting: Inside Our Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat

    The Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat is about so much more than knitting. In this episode, Anne and Steph take you behind the scenes of creating an immersive weekend filled with Norwegian knitting, history, culture, traditional crafts, wool and community. They share how the retreat began, how it has grown – and how much thought, care and, sometimes, self-doubt go into bringing it all together. They also give you a glimpse of what is coming for the third Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat, taking place February 25–28, 2027. This year’s theme is symbols and symbolism in Norwegian knitting and craft. You’ll hear about: – How the idea for the retreat began– The work and emotions behind creating the weekend– Why every presentation is live– Personal Q&A sessions with the speakers– Norwegian history, culture, music and traditional crafts– Sit & Knit sessions and time to meet fellow knitters– Gentle yoga and stretching created especially for knitters– Norwegian wool, exclusive patterns and a special red-listed technique– Some of the wonderful speakers already confirmed for 2027– How the retreat brings the experience of travelling through Norway into your own living room Registration for the 2027 Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat opens Sunday, September 20, with a special early-bird offer available for one week. Come and spend four days immersed in Norwegian knitting, traditions, wool, history and community. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and leave us a rating or review. It helps more knitters find us. Anne’s Norwegian Knitting — Norwegian knitting, traditions, wool, history and community.

  2. 21 Aug

    59: Leave Your Mark in History

    Norway has a centuries-old tradition of marking handmade objects with dates, initials, and symbols. Anne and Steph explore how these simple marks can preserve family stories, identity, important life events, and the legacy of the people who made them. Through examples of Norwegian chests, bunad accessories, samplers, carved objects, and a 1943 painted sewing box, they uncover the stories that can be found in these personal marks. They also explore Norwegian naming traditions and why marking handmade work can help preserve the names and stories of women and families. The tradition continues today through the merkelapp, or maker label. Anne and Steph share simple ways to add your own mark to knitting using duplicate stitch, embroidery, or fabric labels. 📄 Download the PDF Alphabet: [Click Here] A thoughtful look at how the things we make can carry our names, our stories, and a piece of our history for generations to come. To get more from Anne’s Norwegian Knitting check this out: https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/    Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and Theme03:10 How the Session Works05:05 Centuries Old Maker Marks08:20 Trunks and Family Stories12:11 Purse Handles and Anno13:40 Wool Month Dates in Knits17:02 Symbols Before Literacy20:04 Why Dates and Initials Matter23:57 Norwegian Naming Traditions27:27 Patronymics and Swedish Banter32:31 Genealogy Naming Patterns36:06 Bringing Marks Into Today36:29 Reclaim Maker Identity37:16 DIY Knit Labels38:20 Stitching and Materials41:56 Merkelapp Tradition42:52 PDF Alphabet Download45:26 Audience Q and A52:11 Women and Craft Legacy57:37 Inheritance Rights Update01:02:07 Wrap Up and Next Events   Link to transcript and shownotes

  3. 9 Jul

    56: Norwegian Wool Month is back!

    After a short summer break, Anne and Steph are back behind the microphones – and celebrating one full year of the podcast! In this episode, they look back on a wonderful in-person retreat in Norway with 18 knitters from North America and continental Europe before turning their attention to one of the highlights of the knitting year – Norwegian Wool Month. You'll hear the story behind how Wool Month began, why it has become such an important tradition, what's happening during this year's event, and why supporting Norwegian wool, mills, designers, and small makers matters so much. Anne also shares how this year's projects came together, what participants can look forward to, and why Wool Month is about much more than knitting patterns. Whether you're joining Norwegian Wool Month for the first time or returning for another year, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at what makes August such a special month in our community   Timestamps 00:00 Podcast Return01:05 Football And Knitting04:38 What Is Wool Month05:47 Origin Story12:54 Naming The Event14:28 This Years Schedule16:54 Speakers And Recordings21:03 Why Selbu Matters24:43 Adding Lofoten Wool25:37 Crafting Association Finds26:21 Supporting Small Makers27:56 Lofoten Wool Journey29:28 Selbu Mitts Origins32:20 Cowl Pattern Showcase34:59 Socks Year Challenge36:23 This Year Hat Plan38:38 Yarn Notes Gimra40:23 Wool Month Panels44:31 Free Signup Wrap Up   Link to transcript and shownotes

  4. 9 May

    55: Bunad – Tradition, Identity, and the Stories We Wear

    In this episode, Anne and Steph step into the world of the Norwegian bunad – the national costume rooted in history, identity, and craftsmanship. They explore what a bunad really is, why it matters, and how it connects to family, region, and tradition. From rules and “bunad police” to modern interpretations and inclusion, this is a conversation about both preserving and evolving heritage. You’ll also hear personal stories, a bit of Norwegian history, and a closer look at the details – embroidery, colors, silver, and the incredible work behind each piece. A cultural deep dive with strong ties to the same traditions we carry in our knitting.   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast00:40 Episode Setup with Steph01:13 What Is a Bunad01:59 Cost and Making One03:33 Rules and Bunad Police05:24 Regional Styles and Roots06:22 Inclusion and Access Debates07:47 Modern Fantasy Bunads08:59 When Bunads Are Worn10:30 Origins and 1905 Context10:59 Norway History Crash Course17:08 May 17 Traditions Today18:43 Preserving Bunads by Region20:07 Colors Motifs and Rosemaling21:20 Norway Regions Explained22:51 Steph Trondelag Bunad Tour24:50 Shoes Socks and Silver Details27:07 Hand Sewing and Embroidery28:52 Anne Shows Family Bunad Photos31:58 Bunad Silver Clasps and Brooches33:10 Filigree Jewelry Roots33:57 Family Bunad Photos35:18 Embroidery Details Up Close36:20 Rondastakk Origins37:59 Hardanger Beading39:48 Hair Rules and Bands41:15 Mom’s Bunad Shawl42:56 Marie On Bunad Story44:57 Embroidery Process46:29 Mike’s Men’s Vest49:13 Bunad Socks Class52:45 Looped Hat Tradition53:43 Wedding Outfit Wow55:42 Bunad Tradition Today56:58 Closing and Farewell Link to transcript and shownotes

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Hi, and welcome to Anne’s Norwegian Knitting – Conversations Where Knitting Meets Culture, Heart, and History.

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