Anne's Norwegian Knitting

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

  1. 6D AGO

    44: Olympic Wool – Norwegian Knitting, Identity, and the Winter Games

    🎥 This episode is especially well suited for watching, as many sweaters, hats, and historical details are shown and discussed on screen. The link to the YouTube video for this episode is further down. Anne and Steph explore the deep connection between Norwegian knitting and the Winter Olympics – how sweaters, hats, and motifs became carriers of identity, history, and national pride. They move through decades of Olympic knitwear, symbolism, fashion shifts, and craft, while Anne shares personal memories from the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics and the stories behind some of Norway’s most iconic knitted designs. Click here to watch it on YouTube: Podcast Episode 44 on YouTube   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations00:40 Recording the Podcast on Video02:57 Honoring the Mountains with Our Sweaters04:21 Winter Olympics and Knitting History07:04 Iconic Norwegian Knitwear in the Olympics14:49 The Little Devil Hat and Its History19:08 Evolution of Norwegian Olympic Sweaters26:21 1990s Fashion: Bold Identity and Oversized Styles27:22 Olympic Knits: A Journey Through Time29:26 Personal Knitting Stories and Olympic Memories31:31 Iconic Norwegian Sweaters and Their Evolution34:13 Norwegian Craftsmanship at the Olympics39:59 Modern Olympic Knits and Their Unique Designs47:00 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections   Link to transcript and shownotes

    52 min

  2. FEB 1

    43: Measuring Mittens – Why Fit, Warmth, and Space Matter

    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   About the Mitten Bonanza 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.

    10 min

  3. JAN 28

    42: From Viking Kings to Stained Glass – The Story Behind Nidaros Spires Sweater

    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   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations00:40 Introduction to Today's Episode01:02 Relaunching the Nidaros Sweater Pattern03:20 The Historical Significance of Nidaros04:20 The Viking Age and Christianity in Norway05:12 The Nidaros Cathedral: Architecture and Stories15:34 The Rose Window and Its Significance20:07 The Organs and Altars of Nidaros Cathedral25:39 Personal Reflections and Experiences29:13 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

    31 min

  4. JAN 25

    41: Red Hats – Revolution, Resistance, and a Knitted Symbol

    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.

    11 min

  5. JAN 16

    40: Patterns Are Instructions – Not Lessons

    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.

    9 min

  6. JAN 14

    39: From the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Horse – A Knitting Conversation

    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   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations01:08 Reflecting on 2025 and Welcoming 202602:09 A Personal Story: Fear of Snakes07:37 New Year Resolutions and Goals14:36 Knitting Journals and Creative Projects18:15 The Eternity Sweater Project19:19 The Challenge of the New Design19:52 Importance of Keeping a Journal21:39 New Beginnings in the Community23:32 Upcoming Pattern Release: Anita Aspires28:46 Encouragement for New Knitters33:02 Podcast Plans for the New Year

    36 min

  7. JAN 9

    38: The Yarn Didn’t Change. The Knitter Did.

    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: Working with the same yarn across different projects and years How gauge can change over time, even for experienced knitters 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.

    10 min

  8. 12/19/2025

    37: When Tradition Is Not Copied – But Continued

    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 hello@varmdesign.no and we will get back to you soon. Until next time – knit some beautiful stitches.

    18 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Anne Fjeld
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Anne's Norwegian Knitting
  • Show Website
    Anne's Norwegian Knitting

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