Anne's Norwegian Knitting

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 Podcast
00:40 Episode Setup with Steph
01:13 What Is a Bunad
01:59 Cost and Making One
03:33 Rules and Bunad Police
05:24 Regional Styles and Roots
06:22 Inclusion and Access Debates
07:47 Modern Fantasy Bunads
08:59 When Bunads Are Worn
10:30 Origins and 1905 Context
10:59 Norway History Crash Course
17:08 May 17 Traditions Today
18:43 Preserving Bunads by Region
20:07 Colors Motifs and Rosemaling
21:20 Norway Regions Explained
22:51 Steph Trondelag Bunad Tour
24:50 Shoes Socks and Silver Details
27:07 Hand Sewing and Embroidery
28:52 Anne Shows Family Bunad Photos
31:58 Bunad Silver Clasps and Brooches
33:10 Filigree Jewelry Roots
33:57 Family Bunad Photos
35:18 Embroidery Details Up Close
36:20 Rondastakk Origins
37:59 Hardanger Beading
39:48 Hair Rules and Bands
41:15 Mom’s Bunad Shawl
42:56 Marie On Bunad Story
44:57 Embroidery Process
46:29 Mike’s Men’s Vest
49:13 Bunad Socks Class
52:45 Looped Hat Tradition
53:43 Wedding Outfit Wow
55:42 Bunad Tradition Today
56:58 Closing and Farewell

Link to transcript and shownotes

In this episode, Anne and Steph talk about choosing colors – why it can feel tricky, and how it becomes easier with a bit of understanding and practice.

They explore different ways to find inspiration, from nature to everyday moments, and share real examples of what works, what doesn’t, and why. You’ll also hear why swatching matters more than you think, and how small adjustments can completely change a colorway.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about your color choices, this episode is for you.

We talk about our annual Color Workshop in today’s podcast. It is hosted this coming Tuesday (April 28th), to join, sign up here: https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/2026-color-party-lp



Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
01:21 Why Talk About Color
03:19 Color Anxiety and Learning
08:40 Nature as Inspiration
12:53 Swatching and Favorite Colors
15:34 Colorways for the Shawl
18:58 Tools for Fair Isle Color
21:57 When Color Tests Fail
24:20 Neutrals With a Pop
26:27 Color Pops in Rows
27:10 Brown Gray Colorway
29:10 Spring Greens Inspiration
30:55 Purple Lovers Challenge
31:42 Sitting Pad Color Scheme
35:28 Swatch Reveal and Contrast
40:41 Bed of Roses Palette
43:13 Swatching Before Big Knits
44:44 Workshop Dates and Signup
48:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell



Link to transcript and shownotes

This is a very visual episode, so if you’re listening on a traditional podcast platform, you might want to come back and watch it on YouTube as well. Podcast Episode 53 on YouTube

In this episode, Anne and Steph dive into the story of pockets – not the sewn-in kind we’re used to today, but the beautifully personal, historical pockets worn outside (or hidden beneath) clothing.

What begins as a simple idea for a small knitting project unfolds into a rich conversation about Norwegian bunad traditions, textile history, identity, and creativity. Along the way, they explore how pockets were used, decorated, gifted, and even restricted – and how this small accessory carries far more meaning than we might expect.



✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode

The surprising origin of “pockets” – and why they weren’t always sewn into garments

How Norwegian bunad pockets evolved from practical everyday items to decorative heirlooms

The role of pockets as personal, expressive objects – often customized and deeply meaningful

A glimpse into pocket traditions around the world, from Norway to England, France, and beyond

The story of fashion dolls and how trends were shared before modern media

Why women were once discouraged – or even banned – from having pockets

The artistry behind traditional Norwegian clasps and what their symbols and initials represent

The emotional side of pockets – including the kinds of personal items they once held

The design journey behind Anne’s modern knitted pocket pattern

Ideas for customizing your own pocket with embroidery, beads, and personal touches



Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:40 Meet Anne and Steph
01:34 Why Pockets Matter
02:50 Bunad Pocket Origins
04:03 Steph Textile Expertise
05:27 Designing the Modern Pocket
08:18 Personalizing with Embroidery
10:52 Bunad Standardization Story
12:12 Pocket Show and Tell
15:58 Pockets Around the World
17:52 Fashion Dolls and Trends
19:04 Fashion Dolls Pockets
20:17 Women Banned Pockets
21:14 Norwegian Clasps Art
21:51 Initials And Heirlooms
25:22 Pocket Keepsakes Hair
26:49 Designing Our Pocket
28:37 Pattern Challenge Ideas
30:37 Tutorials Assembly Help
34:23 Yarn Gauge Gift Plans
36:24 Wrap Up



Link to transcript and shownotes

Before we start, this is a highly visual episode, so you might watch it on YouTube here: Podcast Episode 52 on YouTube

In this episode, Anne and Steph dive into everything Eternity. From the original inspiration to color choices, design evolution, and how the project has grown into a full collection, this conversation explores the story behind one of Anne’s most beloved designs.

You’ll hear how the Eternity Shawl began, why it’s designed in the round, how Norwegian landscapes influenced the colors, and how knitters around the world have made it their own.

Whether you’re curious about the design process, love colorwork, or are thinking about knitting the Eternity Shawl yourself, this episode gives you the full story.

Click here to sign up to the waitlist



Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast
00:40 Meet Steph and Today’s Topic
01:13 The Eternity Shawl Reveal
03:12 Why It Was Created
07:47 Designing the Motif
12:23 Colors and Mountain Inspiration
17:19 Heirloom Uses and Sizing
20:09 Bunad Silver Connections
23:41 Community Photos and Variations
26:29 Color Planning Process
29:49 Choosing Super Soft Yarn
31:22 Sustainability and Sourcing
32:01 Mountain Color Inspiration
33:15 Colorway Help and Swatches
36:12 Purple Colorway Breakthrough
42:24 Pansies and Spring Hardy Flowers
44:37 Most Knit Patterns and Popularity
45:18 Eternity Coordinating Accessories
49:49 How the KAL Drip Works
50:59 Eternity Sweater Preview
53:18 Why the Annual Format
54:05 Waitlist and Launch Dates
55:23 Final Sign Off

Link to transcript and shownotes

Picking colours can feel intimidating – especially for a project like the Eternity Shawl with seven colours constantly interacting in different combinations.

In this Stranded Thought, Anne shares why picking colours is less about talent and more about experience. She reflects on testing combinations, why colours behave differently in colourwork, and how even experienced knitters rely on swatching and experimenting to find what works.

This episode is a gentle reminder that colour confidence is built over time – and that ripping back is simply part of the process.

Sign up for the Eternity Shawl waitlist here: https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/eternity-shawl-infoforation-LP

And keep an eye out for the upcoming colour workshop later this month.