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

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 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 [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vSyvecVQ3hmlSTjKhLTKNy2gia0IJBsJ/view?usp=sharing]

54: Talking Color – Intuition, Theory, and a Lot of Experimenting

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 [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 [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TntQb5TU-ohGgtDwO8BCSAf0tIXhq4c0/view?usp=sharing]

53: Pockets – A Small Piece of History

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 [https://youtu.be/pSVbK4uUhkY] 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 [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q6IcVEGLdGUwsp3uRxNz3jsIF2dHVC47/view?usp=sharing]

52: The Story Behind the Eternity Shawl

Before we start, this is a highly visual episode, so you might watch it on YouTube here: Podcast Episode 52 on YouTube [https://youtu.be/E6wz5FyAQLY] 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 [https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/eternity-shawl-infoforation-LP]    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 [https://drive.google.com/file/d/156xO9p32YQRT7sy1mqMtclCzJZOkmach/view?usp=sharing]

51: Picking Colours – Experience Beats Talent

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.