16: Norwegian Wool Month 2025: Selbu Stories - Threads of Heritage and Innovation

In this episode of Anne's Norwegian Knitting Conversations, Anne takes us on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Norwegian wool production and knitting traditions. As part of Norwegian Woman Month 2025, Anne is joined by Marte, representing a small family-run mill in Selbu, Norway, for an in-depth presentation originally recorded during Wool Month. Marte shares her personal stories, from childhood experiences with sheep and wool to the establishment and operations of the SELBU spinning mill.  What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Marte's personal journey: from childhood memories with sheep to running a spinning mill The story of SELBU Spinneri: preserving small-scale wool production Wool’s path through the mill: sorting, washing, drying, and spinning Insights into carding, combing, plying, and hand-dyeing yarn How small mills balance tradition with modern needs Sustainability and biodiversity in sheep breeds Challenges and opportunities for Norwegian wool in a global market Q&A and closing reflections from Wool Month Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to ANS Norwegian Knitting Conversations01:04 Special Guest Introduction and Event Overview02:23 Meet Marte: A Journey into Wool05:03 The Story of SELBU Spinneri: From Family Tradition to Business11:53 The Importance of Wool Sorting and Spinning22:46 SELBU Spinneri's Commitment to Quality and Tradition26:34 Manual Wool Sorting Process26:59 Small Scale Spinning Mill Operations27:43 Wool Processing Techniques28:49 Washing and Drying Wool30:50 Carding and Combing Wool32:52 Spinning and Plying Yarn34:18 Hand Dyeing and Finishing Yarn38:05 Global Shipping and Distribution42:32 Sustainable Wool Practices45:48 Q&A and Final Thoughts