Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year. Hope you enjoyed this chatty episode for a change and see you in the next year! (PS: sorry, the subtitles in the second half are patchy. I didn't have the time to complete it yet. Would have needed another hour)

I’m from the Southern US. When someone is unnecessarily critical we just say, “Bless your heart.” Which translates to “mind your own business.”

Haha knitting might be for grannies, but all those grannies learned to knit when they were kids!

I’m going to keep saying this, everyone in Iceland learns to knit in school. It’s current and it’s for everyone. All the best to you this season.

Norman, I see your channel as 50/50 Life Coaching/Knitting Instruction. I like it for both reasons. Because you are analytical you don’t put a topic down with just a few words, or examples. Rather, you come at tasks and situations from several angles, and with a calm acceptance that your way may not be the only way. Gentle leadership, not didactic regimentation! Everyone loves the biography of a successful person, and you are no exception! Thanks for the story, and all the best in the New Year. We’ll be here! (I’m near San Francisco, knitting on a collar/scarf thing with Angora/Wensleydale/Glitter wire. Making it up as it shines out, and thinking about it flying to Europe next week on the neck of my friend. )

Norman, what a beautiful person you are!! I am listening to you while I am knitting my first scarf, and it feels that you are my new knitting friend. You are very smart and totally down to earth. Thank you for sharing “you” and your experience in knitting with us. 🙏

What I really like about your teaching style is that you give advice without being prescriptivist and explain the consequences of things. Instead of "do this, not that!" you'll say "here's what I find happens if you do this, so for this purpose I prefer to do that, but you can make your own choice depending on what you prefer." It's exactly the kind of thing I often find lacking in arts education (don't even get me STARTED on music pedagogy and how many students have their love of music needlessly ruined by it). An educator isn't just someone who shows off their master technique for you to copy, nor are they someone who insists you learn in exactly the same way they did - an educator, in my view, is someone who adapts the way they communicate their trove of knowledge to their students' needs, and that's exactly what you do. As an arthritic autistic I have come to realize a lot of teachers of all sorts seem to assume levels of fine motor control and proprioception that I simply do not have, as well as a learning style that does not work for me. Practicing a technique is meaningless to my brain, even frustrating or physically painful, until I know how to look for the results it was designed to create and can adjust and learn from there. I have a much better time in yoga when the teacher explains how a pose should feel, because simply trying to arrange myself into a copy of someone in an entirely different body tends to result in underwhelming stretches and unnecessary strain. I feel more confident on woodworking equipment, which like most other things in the world was designed for much taller and bigger-handed people than me, if I've been given detailed information on the risks of kickback on a given tool instead of just being told to "adopt a wide stance." For a lot of new skills, I often have to "work backwards" a bit and get exposed to the details (not just the product) of a more advanced form *first*, and *then* go back and try to learn the fundamentals. This is related to motivation, of course, like most people probably wouldn't bother practicing triple steps over and over if they didn't already like the idea of swing dance. But personally I don't just need a reason a skill is theoretically leading to something cool, I also need to be able to absorb enough information about the skill at a higher level that I can imagine myself doing it, enough to put the fundamentals in a rich context in my brain, which is what they need to stick and to make sense to me. I might even need to actually try things I'm "not ready for" myself, not out of some arrogance or impatience but because it genuinely will help me understand the purpose of whatever beginner technique drills I'm being told to start with. Unfortunately a lot of teachers actively discourage the exact sort of information gathering that helps me learn best, warning that it's unmotivating to "bite off more than you can chew" when in fact it's the cautious linear approach that usually kills my motivation quicker. This is why I love being able to freely peruse advanced knitting videos that I may or may not totally understand as a beginner. What I do get is good information, and what I don't get is good information about something I might later want to look up and learn! And for what it's worth if you ever get into doing non-tutorial project vlogs or anything I'd totally watch those too. My interest in knitting began when I decided I wanted to make some gloves. Specific gloves. Specifically, fingered Cratchit gloves with cables in fingering weight yarn knit in the round on size 2 DPNs. 😂 I then learned enough to understand how chaotic a choice that is for a total beginner, but it was only after trying and failing something absurd that I became interested in making my first chunky garter stitch rectangle, so I don't regret it at all. I still enjoy learning about new techniques and I accidentally got a bunch of my friends into knitting just by doing it around them. Er, sorry, all that is to say, I also appreciate how you'll often include both an easy and a more advanced version of a technique! I like the analytical understanding you share for how different approaches affect the work, and I like how you blend accessibility with thoroughness. I like being able to both navigate to a quick beginner reference and absorb a broader context. Thanks!

I love you! Thank you for pointing out the ageism and sexism in denigrating what has traditionally been "women's work." Old grannies have been through a lot are are tough as nails.

Thank you for this episode, it was good to hear you talk about ageism, this idea that being older is something to be embarrassed about is ridiculous! It’s a privilege to grow old & I’ve learnt so much from my friend who is teaching me to knit, & not just about knitting 😊

Norman: I have to knit in complete silence. Me: Glad I don't have that problem. I like having something to listen to while I knit. Also me: /misses two brkyobrk stitches while listening to KZfaq. Doh! Thanks for all that you do, Norman.

The attraction to your channel (what attracted me to you, anyway) is 1. You’re a man who knits (I actually spent an afternoon looking for crochet KZfaqrs who are men because I was just curious about it) 2. Your instruction is thorough and concise. You get to the point. (I hate KZfaqrs who ramble without purpose and say the same thing 3 different ways. ) 3. You’r enthusiasm for this hobby is infectious. 4. You’re very likable! (Not boring!). I crochet a little. I don’t even own a set of knitting needles but I have watched a ton of your videos already. I still learned a lot just by watching now I’m interested to try knitting!

I don't know what happened, but when my father died almost 6 years ago, I completely lost all incentive and motivation to knit, until fairly recently, which drew me to this channel, what appears to be a year and two months after this video was posted. I have been facing a lot of other challenges in life that may have had something to do with it, but I am certainly not going to analyse it to death, because, ultimately, it doesn't matter. I am now feeling it, ready to pick it back up, refamiliarize myself with things, and start knitting again. Things are going to come up that takes us away from our interests for a time, if we are responsible adults, because it is just an unavoidable reality of life. Knitting is one of the most honorable, rewarding endeavors for everyone who is interested, as are all of the thread and yarn arts! I learned to crochet and do a little embroidery as a boy, and got a lot of teasing for it, not only from other children, but from adults, who should have known better, as well, which hurt, of course, but I never let their their narrow minded inhibitions stop me. i didn't learn how to knit until 8 years ago, and I am not the most experienced, but I go at it fearlessly! If I am not feeling motivated to engage in a creative hobby, I just set it aside for something that is motivating me. Eventually, I want to be able to design patterns, not just follow them. I know that it will happen, whether it be tomorrow, or years from now, but it will be just fine, regardless. If you try to force creativity, rather than express it, you are most likely to lose it, for the moment. I love your common sense approach to everything, Norman, and your soothing voice, too! 🥰

Hi Norman! Thank you for being such a kind and generous teacher in my novice year of knitting! Yes, I love your technical way of breaking down a stitch, it has been a game changer for me! I'm looking forward to being with you in 2023! Many blessings to you and your family this Christmas!! Teresa

Thanks for this video, Norman. I am thankful you chose English to do your videos in. You have helped me understand better and do some things. Thank you, and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

thank you for the lovely insight into your passion for knitting.

No Norman, you didn’t do a special vlog to answer kindly to all our questions. Because, first of all, you are kindness itself and we all know it ( but of course, it can be a reminder for newcomers). And you did it because you just cannot wait to wish everybody a very special festive time. It’s in your genes, Norman, you cannot help being kind ! 😊So, let me just add this special thought for you, my Kindness : have a wonderful time for Xmas and the New year, with all my best wishes for wonderful things to come for you in 2023. Alsace loves you greatly !🥳🍾☃️🎄✨🥂🎁🎉

Merry Christmas Norman! From a granny in the USA who's best friend in the 4th grade was a boy who liked to knit! 😸🎄🎇

Thanks for all you do. I have been knitting for about 70 years, however, with your help, I have become a better knitter, and am enjoying it even more. I loved seeing your 20 year old socks with leather stains and particularly liked that the socks were used while you were dancing. So fun! Keep up the great work!

Thanks Norman, for this very engaging video, wishing you happy holidays and a happy new year!

You, too, have a lovely Christmas, Norman. Thank you for all your videos!

That was awesome Norman, thank you and happy Holidays!!

Always good to see you.

I absolutely adore you. You have a fantastic attitude!! Who the hell gets to tell you how to live your life? No one and good for you!!

Lovely episode, thank you! Your technique tutorials are THE BEST, and it was fun to sit back and listen to this episode while knitting on a sock. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Hope you have a nice one. Personally I really like these chatty videos and the variety of videos you have been offering lately.

Merry Christmas to you and your familly for Montréal. Thanks for your work !

Merry Christmas Norman. I’m glad you are doing these videos in English. I hope you have a nice Christmas and Happy New Year! I like having a mixture of tutorials and chatty episodes so we get to know you better.

I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and will have an amazing New Year! Norman, I LOVE your sweater!

Thank you very much! Happy New Year 2023!!!

Happy holidays and happy 2023, Norman. I love any kind of video that you do. Thanks for all your hard work; I have learned a lot from you.

Thank you for this delightful episode and sharing yourself with us. You are my go-to in knitting techniques. Wishing you great joy in the coming year.

Happy Holidays!! I really enjoyed watching this video. I realized some things about my own crafting, as well as different experiences others have/had. Your YT channel always gives me an opportunity to learn in different ways, and today is no exception! May your new year continue with success and creativity! I always look forward to your content. Thank you!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, Norman. My knitting has gained much refinement through your instruction. Thank you.

Merry Christmas Norman. I hope you are enjoying the festive season. Wishing you and all your loved ones lots of happiness, health and love for the upcoming New Year! Cheers my friend 🤗🥳🇨🇦

I really enjoyed your video and hearing more about your story! I think you're a natural teacher. Putting yourself in the mindset of a learner helps you be the great teacher you are. Love your tutorials too!!

Wonderful vlog! Looking forward to many more in 2023. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🎄🍾🥂

Great episode Norman. Thanks.

Excellent episode! I especially loved hearing you speak German! Merry Christmas to you! 🎄

That's so funny, I was just going to ask about your choice of English for your channel. Then a question was posed in German, love it! Love your channel! Keep up the great work! 💜

Thank you for all your tutorials and hard work making them. I only learnt the basics when I was young. I do many crafts but occasionally dable I a little knitting. I have found they way you explain things very helpful. Will be starting the New Year with some knitting planned . You have given me the confidence that I can do it . Hope you had a good Christmas and I hope you see the new year in with smiles and laughter

I love your attitude and passion for the hobby so much, Norman! This was fun to listen to as I made some treats for Christmas. Happy holidays to you. ❤🎄

A very happy and successful New Year to you, Norman. You have a lovely voice and I could listen for quite some time! Also, I am just happy it is in English! I’ve learned a lot, you are a natural teacher, I would say. Thank you.

Thank you again for such a thoughtful video. It is so interesting to get a view into how you work and your analytical way of thinking about knitting. Unless I am traveling, I usually knit for very short periods during the day. I’ve found that socks are great for my type of knitting. (We are all different, and I love that.) I hope you and your family enjoy the holidays.

You’re an inspiration to the knitting community, Norman! Thank you for your time in answering questions and sharing your personal journey☺️

I currently live is the Midwest. I just learned to knit. I made a scarf for a friend. I just learned a week ago and an so proud of my self. Ty for your videos. I have crocheted for 50 years. I was 4 years old

Norman, thank you for that episode. I am so happy you decided to make your channel in English. Being from the USA, I have only one language, poor English. I do remember seeing some of your older videos. I specifically remember a couple that you made wearing a hat, you said it was due to covid you hadn't had a hair cut in a while. I know that feeling well. I was 'almost' desperate in the spring of 2020 to cut mine myself. I would have except I promised my stylist I would never do that again. I have learned so much from your tutorials. I started watching videos on how to knit late last year. I was most impressed by continental knitting as I have arthritis and repetitive motion injuries to my hands from years of computer work at my former job. Happily, I am retired. I am a crocheter who knits. Soon, I want to be a crocheter and knitter equally. I totally know what you mean about wanting no distractions when you are knitting. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I am looking forward to your next episode.

Merry Christmas Norman. I love all your videos and thank you for sharing/teaching all of your fabulous knitting techniques. I learned so much and gained confidence since watching your videos a year ago. ❤

Merry Christmas Norman!! I love watching you and your tutorials are where I go first when needing help. Blessings

This was so fun! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Love to you, Norman, and thanks for all you do!

Norman, I have to say I *LOVE* your sense of humor! Gentle, but not any less on point or direct. You are a delight!

Thank you for everything you do for the knitting community Norman - it very much appreciated! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year 💕

Happy New Year🎉🥳, I am a beginner in knitting. I just wanted to thank you for your great tutorials,opinions and being such a good teacher in knitting.!!While knitting my socks I love watching your videos from day one 😊🤩 Thx for your work and personality 🫶🏽Thank you so much ✌🏽

I found your channel a few weeks ago. You are a wonderful teacher, not only about knitting but about life. Thank you for sharing your love and wisdom to us all. I have been knitting for many years but there is always more to learn. Carry on being wonderful, much love to you ❤

Norman, this was so interesting and gave me a chance to get to know you a little better. Collect the questions year long and repeat next year. Have a lovely holiday with lots of personal knitting time!

Thank you for this, Norman! I'm wishing you all the best this holiday & new year season! I love to knit wherever I am. When somebody makes a "judgey" sort of remark, I ignore it. I get to practice my hobby (which feels ever so much more creative than staring at my phone, which is what I see most people doing in public). There are times that I love trying other crafts, but I seem to always come back to knitting. 💛

I love that you admitted to all the challenges you face as a knitter (frustration at a certain technique or project) But also as a person. I find knitting as a sort of therapy that occasionally aggravates me, but also excites me. I'm glad I found your channel. Happy Christmas!!

Happy holidays and thank you for all you do!!!! I love the nuggets of knowledge you share and see you in 2023!!!

Norman, this was delightful. Thank you for giving us a look at your life and mind. That's very generous. And thank you to all who asked the questions we're all interested to know

Merry Christmas and i wish you all a bountifully bless New Year! I am so happy i found you and your amazing videos. Thank you so much for doing them. I am a visual learner so your videos help me understand things much better. I find folks interested in what I am doing when I am knitting, crocheting and hand-spinning yarn. They ask questions and find it fascinating. I often bring my project to the hockey rink while my sons are at practice and i actually have 2 young girls that have become incredibly curious with what I am doing so i am teaching them how to crochet and their parents are stunned to find their normally can't sit still or focus children sitting still and totally concentrating on what they are doing. I am so happy to see young children want to learn something unique and see them get so excited when they are able to master the lesson taught that session. Keep being you and doing amazing things as you are keeping so many of us excited about this ever expanding craft. I really appreciate you and your talent. God bless you and all!

Norman, this video was awesome! Thank you for taking the time to answer so many questions. It gave me a lot of food for thought and I got to know you a bit better 😉

Thank you, Norman! Happy New Year!

Happy, healthy and prosperous 2023 to you Norman. I'm thankful that I found you! When I was younger I paid a lady that had a yarn shop to teach me to knit only to have her tell me she couldn't teach me because I was doing everything backwards. Thanks to You Tube and you, I learned that what I have been doing is Continental Knitting; self taught. Thank you for sharing techniques in your posts makes everything so clear for me. This is a great way to end the year thank you!!! Happy Knitting and Happy Blessed New Year!

loved learning more about you

Hello Norman - I have knit all my life (started at age 4 when my father taught me). I enjoy all your videos and have even purchased needles that you reviewed (Knitter's Pride Nova Plantina) - but this video I had to write and thank you for because of the very first question you reviewed - why would anyone care what other's think of thier hobbies or ideas? You are such a balanced and caring person and you explain this so well - I wish there were many more people with your ideas and thoughts! A very Happy New Year to you in 2023 and thank you for all you do!

Thank you so much for your insight and sharing your knowledge with us. Happy holidays to you and yours!

I'd love a video on knitting pain and how to alleviate or prevent it, Norman! I hope you had a good Christmas. Ooh and I loved your German speaking! It has such a lovely cadence.

Happy New Year Norman! Would love to see a video on proper ergonomics while knitting. Thank you for all you do!

I’m so happy that your videos are in English (as English is my only language). You’ve had a very interesting journey through life. I enjoy your videos. Happy holidays. Looking forward to your next video.

Norman, I love your personality. You are so accommodating to your subscribers. This was a lovely way to wrap up the year. Have a wonderful and safe holiday. 🎄 Thank you for all that you do and see you next year. ❤

Thank you Norman and Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

I truly enjoyed your video. Answered my questions that I did not even ask. Keep up the excellent work. Happy Holidays! from: East Lansing, Michigan 😀

You are such a lovely person, Norman! Thanks for the charming chat and the same advice. Have a happy Christmas!

Thank you. Good Q & A video. You answered well & thoughtfully. I haven't been knitting long but I've come to the right place for instructions. Currently, having fun working on an afghan comprised of leftovers from various yarn projects.

I'm sure I have commented this in one of your previous videos. I appreciate your candid responses to viewer questions. Most of these questions I would never ask, however knowing what is required to run a KZfaq blog makes me appreciate your videos even more. I love how deconstruct knitting techniques and provide options to fix common problems. It always seems like when I struggle with one technique, you have already made a video that provides solutions. As a side note, my fix for being good at continental purling was to knit a huge, simple flat piece that required a lot of stockinette stitching - it helped me with purling faster and more consistently, as well as having more even tension between knitting and purling. I find knitting is both a humbling and highly rewarding experience. Thank so much for everything that you do, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas Norman! I loved your magic trick of turning money into yarn! As soon as the words passed your lips I ran to my husband to share how I to can do magic!!! Thank you for the tutorials and the best knitting *joke* Have a blessed Christmas and New Year to you and yours ((HUGS)) from Michigan

Reslly many many thanks I love your videos and tips mostly because you are very wise and experienced knitter, thanks for helping us on this amazing yarn road

I just recently decided to take up knitting again after a 20 absence and I came across your video channel. I am enjoying learning about all the techniques I never knew before! Even though I have not actually started to knit yet, as I want to watch more of your videos first, I went ahead and purchased your sock pattern on Etsy. I love the colors in it and it looks like a perfect sock to knit. I won't be starting this as my first project, however. I am planning on making a scarf and matching slouchy hat first just so I can ease back into knitting in general. You are a fun person to watch so thank you for sharing all these great videos!

I love your videos, and this was really nice to listen to as I knitted. Sometimes when you post a tutorial, if it’s not something I’m wanting to learn at that time, I won’t watch, but I do listen a lot of knitting vlogs/podcasts while I craft so I would really love more of this!

So glad found your videos. Life got busy and I have not knit for many years. Now retired I have come back to it and your videos have been a great help to me. You are a very good teacher.

I always enjoy listening to you. I don't follow all your tutorials as I too have been knitting since I was about 4 years old. My first item was a 'scarf for daddy'. As I was one of 8, he recieved a lot of these... I can imagine a Lost & Found room at the railway station full of Wonky Scarves that daddy's of knitting children 'lost'!! These kind of personal info videos are great fun, as I really like to know more about the people who's work I enjoy - creators, actors, authors and more. Keep up the great work. I have tried getting a blog etc going and I understand the hard work involved.

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! I particularly enjoyed your response to the question about knitting styles. There are a lot of them, and some of them don't exactly have a name. You do what works best for you, and so long as the end result is good, the style of knitting doesn't matter. I can't think of a single person who can look at a sweater and ask "Why was this done in the English style, when Portuguese would have been better?" In my case, I accidentally taught myself Norwegian knitting, after failing to keep my index finger extended for any length of time, and I recently combined that with lever knitting (my right needle doesn't move much). I did that because of Mozart; he was proficient, partially because he kept his hands quiet, and I find I'm a little more productive if I keep motion to a minimum. I wish you all the success in the world in the coming year!

Thank you for the very enjoyable video that you did..it was a refreshing change from your teaching techniques. It is nice for special occasion like Christmas but keep the knowledge coming. Thank you for teaching not just talking .

This was so wonderful to watch because I am alone this Xmas and your videos are so personal that it feels like hanging out with a good friend 😊 i loved your thoughts on knitting as a meditation. People may think KZfaq content creators have an easy life, but it's a lot of work to produce videos of high quality that keep people interested week to week. Your words are so encouraging.💚

This was a fun video (of course I knit all the way through it). I have really benefitted from your instruction and advice. The most revelatory thing you showed was that you manually adjust and tighten or even out your stitches as part of your finishing process. I never thought of this, and I have been knitting for 60 years. I think I just thought that blocking would take care of any unevenness. It is such a simple thing to make adjustments before blocking. Thank you so much for this technique. I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year. I look forward to more videos in 2023.

This was really nice. I have been following you for quiet some time. Very usefull information, told in a very kind way. I started knitting when I was 7 and now I am a grandma! I used to make my own patterns. That is in the past, after I suffered from a stroke ( which happened when I was knitting, but that is another story) Luckily I can knit again, not as fast or as good. But I still enjoy it. Making my own patterns is gone, sadly. But in the past year I slowly started to adjust patters again. So I still make progress.

I wish You all the best in this New Year! I adore your videos and look of new studio :) I made my first (and second, and third and fourth) sweater this year and my head is full of ideas what I want to try next. I think my challenge for this year will be learn some norwegian patterns :)

I really enjoyed your video, as always!...I am happy you showed your beautiful gloves.... the ones with the expensive yarn( I forget the name),,,, but I had watched a video last week where you talked about this yarn,,,,, so interesting, so to stumble on this video today and that you showed the completed project was so nice..... You do an AMAZING teaching job!....thank you so much! From Toronto Canada!

This was fun, and as always, well organized & thorough. I enjoyed getting to know you better. The tutorials are the main thing of course but I think it's nice to feel connected to you. It seems the really popular blogs are a mix of personal & professional content. But yours is successful & you clearly know what you are doing. It's why I recommend your channel so often.

Hi Norman. I really enjoyed this episode. It was very interesting to hear about your journey how you got to where you are now. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope your Christmas was very nice and all the best for the new year.

Lovely way to spend time after shoveling and cleaning our alpaca barn in the cold and snow.

so many points brought up!

I think my favorite thing about you is your self confidence(and your teaching style, and your sense of humor). Thanks for the video and Merry Christmas!!

Loved this episode. Love your tutorials also. I just learned icord bind off. Your tutorial was extremely helpful. Thank you

Merry Christmas, Norman! I sincerely hope you have a blessed New Year. You are such a well-rounded and level-headed young man. Your sound advice has improved my knitting.

I enjoyed this type of video. The knitting technique tutorials are invaluable but a more chatty video once in awhile is very welcome!

Thanks! Norman, I have been knitting for about a year and your videos have been instrumental in providing me with technical support at times I could not get to a local yarn shop and they are good company while I knit. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I look forward to future content.

Dear Norman, Quite simply, YOU spark joy! Thank you 🙏🏻 so very much for sharing your time, your stories, and your expertise with us.

Thanks for this video, Norman. And for deciding to do your blog and channel in English, and for all the hours you made me company during pandemic and all the things you have taught me. Happy 2023

Wow, all great advice! I really like 'If they don't pay your bills, pay them no mind". You are the knitting friend we all wish lived next door!

Greetings from France. You bring so much joy into my heart. Thanks for all your hard work and the time you spend on making these videos enjoyable and posting them on your prestigious knitting channel KZfaq. Bless you Norman. My 4 year Newfoundland my water rescue dog joins me in wishing you HAPPY HOLIDAYS. 🥂💐🥰