This week, I’ve escaped to the very south of Norway – to a small place near Lindesnes, where the little white houses called sørlandshus dot the coastline like pearls.
In this episode, I talk about these charming old houses – their creaky wooden floors, their history, and how they’ve become a symbol of Sørlandet. According to Store Norske Leksikon, a sørlandshus is a traditional one-and-a-half-story house with a rectangular floor plan, low-pitched gable roof, and symmetrical windows. Most are now white, though many were red in the past.
We’re staying in one from the 1860s, lovingly restored – and filled with crooked charm, blooming gardens, and just a little bit of fairytale magic.
And in the middle of all that? Me – with my coffee, my breakfast, and my knitting.
🖼️ You’ll find pictures of the house and garden in the show notes here.
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6: The Thread That Holds It All Together – Anne’s Philosophies
In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode, Anne and Steph dive into the philosophies that shape Anne’s life, teaching, and community. From her favorite mantra – “You are exactly where you’re supposed to be” – to the concept of “the gap and the gain,” Anne shares how her journey from burnout to business owner became the foundation for a supportive and transformational knitting community.
Listeners will hear the behind-the-scenes story of how Anne's KNIT Method was born – blending Knowledge & Heritage, Nurture & Community, Inspiration & Mastery, and Technique & Tradition – and why her mission goes far beyond patterns. She opens up about the decision to serve the English speaking market, her passion for preserving and sharing Norwegian culture, and why she sees knitting as a doorway to something bigger.
Steph and Anne also talk about how they maintain such a positive and inclusive community, including why Anne personally interviews members who apply to join the Great Experience.
Whether you’re here for technique, community, or inspiration, this episode offers a rare look into the heart of Anne’s work – and why so many knitters say it changes more than just their stitches.
For shownotes and transcript Click Here.
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5: Stranded Thoughts: Between the Mountains, You Find the Dal
Stranded Thoughts: Between the Mountains, You Find the Dal
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
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4: Stranded Thoughts #2: Swearing in Church - and a bit of chocolate trouble
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.
In this episode:
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…)
Norwegian phrase of the week:
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
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3: Stitching Through Stories: Meet Suzanne Ulrich from SU FIbers
In this cozy and inspiring conversation, Anne and Steph chat with special guest Suzanne Ulrich – 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
Netherlands