Why can a wool sweater feel so light and still keep us warm? What gives yarn its bounce? And what does “worsted” actually mean?
In episode 62, Anne and Steph welcome Northern Lights member Kristal for a conversation about the way wool works. A knitter, spinner, and enthusiastic explorer of all things fibre, Kristal brings samples, stories, and the kind of curiosity that leads you to pull yarn apart just to see what’s happening inside.
We talk about wool’s relationship with warmth and moisture, what happens during felting, and how the preparation and spinning of fibres influence the yarn on our needles. Along the way, there’s a drop spindle that lives up to its name and a sweater that grew to rather unexpected proportions.
In this episode:
Kristal’s journey from knitting to spinning and processing fleece
Wool fibres, scales, and moisture
Wet felting and needle felting
Crimp – the little bends that contribute to wool’s bounce
Woollen-spun, worsted-spun, and semi-worsted yarns
Rooing – collecting fleece that a sheep naturally sheds
Why worsted-spun and worsted weight mean different things
Mentioned in this episode
Thank you to Made By Barb for the fibre illustrations discussed in our conversation:
https://www.madebybarb.com/ (https://www.madebybarb.com/)
For your next knitting adventure, explore more at Anne’s Norwegian Knitting (https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com/).
11 Oct 2026
61: The Heritage Knitter
A few years ago, during a group conversation, a beautiful woman and successful entrepreneur described me as a heritage knitter. She saw something back then that I’ve only recently found the words for, even though it has been part of my work and what I do all along.
In this Stranded Thoughts episode, I explore what being a heritage knitter means to me, and how, through Anne’s Norwegian Knitting, we bring Norwegian knitting heritage into your everyday life today.
For your next knitting adventure, explore more at Anne’s Norwegian Knitting: https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com (https://www.annesnorwegianknitting.com)
23 Sept 2026
Bonus Episode: The Virtual Retreat Experience
Join Anne and Steph alongside past attendees as they share what makes the Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat such a memorable experience. From Norwegian culture, history, and inspiring designer sessions to natural dyeing, special surprises, and meaningful connections, hear firsthand why knitters return year after year.
Plus, get a sneak peek at the 2027 Virtual Norwegian Knitting Retreat, happening February 25–28, featuring the theme “Symbols,” a new yarn mill, and plenty of exciting experiences to come.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
9 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 60 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
88
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
81
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