10: Stranded Thought: Thick Wool, Warm Toes - The Story of Raggsokker
In Norway, a good pair of wool socks isn’t just a a pair of socks.
In this short episode, Anne shares the story of the raggsokk, a thick, hand-knit wool sock that has kept Norwegian feet warm for generations. You’ll hear:
What makes a raggsokk different from ordinary socks
Why Norwegians love these thick, practical socks in autumn and winter
A little peek into Norwegian sock terminology:
Sokk – covers the foot up to the ankle
Strømpe – covers the leg, thin or thick
Knestrømpe – knee-high sock
Ankelsokk – ankle sock
How a humble pair of socks carries the cozy essence of Norwegian winter life
Whether you’re a sock knitter, a sock wearer, or just love a cozy story, this episode is a little reminder of the warmth that simple stitches can bring.
🎧 Listen now and imagine the comfort of thick wool, warm toes, and a touch of Norwegian tradition.
Wool Month is back for its third year! In this extended episode, Anne and Steph take you behind the scenes of the free annual event that celebrates Norwegian wool, its heritage, and the knitting traditions that keep it alive. From the story of how Wool Month began as a spontaneous idea to the details of this year’s pattern and guest presentations, you’ll hear the history, the practical tips, and the heart behind this celebration.
If you love yarn, history, and authentic Norwegian knitting, this is the episode for you!
For Show Notes and Transcript Click Here.
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8: Stranded Thoughts: Wool, Symbols, and Sacred Threads
In this episode of Stranded Thoughts, Anne shares reflections from her recent trip to Setesdal and a meaningful visit with the legendary textile storyteller Annemor Sundbø. Together, they explore the deeper meanings woven into wool – from ancient beliefs to hidden symbols in traditional knitting.
Anne reflects on the sacred power once attributed to sheep, wool, and thread, and how symbols like the grid inside Norwegian mittens weren’t just decorative – they were protective. She then draws a quiet but powerful connection between those old beliefs and a small detail in her newest sock design for Norwegian Wool Month.
In This Episode:
– A visit to Setesdal and meeting Annemor Sundbø– Reflections on Annemor’s newest book and life’s work– How wool was seen as sacred in pre-Christian Norway– The evolving meaning of symbols – from the swastika to the knitting grid– Why symbols in old mittens weren’t for display, but for protection– The hidden grid on the sole of Anne’s new sock pattern– A quiet invitation to connect with the past through stitches
Mentioned in This Episode:
– Annemor Sundbø – author, textile historian, and storyteller– Norwegian Wool Month – Anne’s annual celebration of wool (August/September)
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8: Stranded Thoughts: Wool, Symbols, and Sacred Threads
In this episode of Stranded Thoughts, Anne shares reflections from her recent trip to Setesdal and a meaningful visit with the legendary textile storyteller Annemor Sundbø. Together, they explore the deeper meanings woven into wool – from ancient beliefs to hidden symbols in traditional knitting. Anne reflects on the sacred power once attributed to sheep, wool, and thread, and how symbols like the grid inside Norwegian mittens weren’t just decorative – they were protective. She then draws a quiet but powerful connection between those old beliefs and a small detail in her newest sock design for Norwegian Wool Month. In This Episode: – A visit to Setesdal and meeting Annemor Sundbø – Reflections on Annemor’s newest book and life’s work – How wool was seen as sacred in pre-Christian Norway – The evolving meaning of symbols – from the swastika to the knitting grid – Why symbols in old mittens weren’t for display, but for protection – The hidden grid on the sole of Anne’s new sock pattern – A quiet invitation to connect with the past through stitches Mentioned in This Episode: – Annemor Sundbø – author, textile historian, and storyteller – Norwegian Wool Month – Anne’s annual celebration of wool (August/September)
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7: Stranded Thoughts: White Houses by the Sea
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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