Category Archives: How-to

Understanding Import Fees When Shipping to Norway

If you’re receiving a package in Norway from a seller in Germany (or anywhere outside Norway), there are a couple of important things to be aware of when it comes to customs charges. These fees aren’t hidden—just part of how international shipping works. Let’s break it down simply.

1. Import VAT (Value Added Tax)

Norway charges VAT (called MVA locally) on most imported goods. This is usually 25% of the total value of your order, including the item cost, shipping, and any insurance. It’s collected by the Norwegian customs authorities and is a standard part of importing goods.

2. Carrier Handling or Clearance Fees

Besides VAT, the courier (like FedEx or UPS) may charge a handling fee for managing the customs clearance on your behalf.

FedEx

  • Charges a minimum customs clearance fee of € 15, plus 2,5% on duties and taxes for amount over 600 €.
  • The fee increases with higher VAT amounts, but is capped based on value ranges.

UPS

  • Charges a typical clearance fee of 2,5%, minimum ca € 16.00 (including VAT).
  • An extra fee of €6.60 may apply if the package value exceeds €150.

DHL / Standard package

It seems DHL / Standard package which is delivered by local partner (e.g. Post Norway), does not charge extra carrier or customs clearance fees. But shipping options also is the usually the slowest option.

Final Tip

These charges are standard and apply even when you buy online from the EU, as Norway is not part of the EU customs union. So be ready for a small bill upon delivery.

Also be aware that this info is from march 2025, and subject to change when carriers update what they charge. But nevertheless this is a good overview regarding what sort of import duties to expect in general.

The Use of AI in Knitwear Design

The Intersection of AI and Knitwear: Challenges and Considerations

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the design process of knitwear has sparked a significant debate within the crafting community. While AI offers the potential to streamline and innovate the design process, it also raises several challenges and ethical concerns. Here, we delve into the current state of AI in knitwear design, highlighting both the benefits and the limitations.

Case Study: Sisu Knitwear

A recent example that has garnered attention is Sisu Knitwear, a brand known for its Nordic, Kven, and Sami cultural heritage-inspired designs. Christina Gjertsen, the designer behind Sisu Knitwear, has used AI to aid in the creation of a sweater pattern for the local sports club Alta IF. Gjertsen utilized the AI program Midjourney to generate an image that served as a starting point for her design. However, this use of AI was not clearly stated on her website or pattern listings, which has raised questions about transparency and the role of AI in the creative process.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite the potential benefits, AI-generated knitting patterns face several challenges:

  1. Practicality and Functionality:
    • AI-generated patterns often result in impractical or non-functional designs. For instance, experiments with AI-generated knitting patterns on platforms like Ravelry have led to what has been termed “Operation Hilarious Knitting Disaster,” where bizarre instructions resulted in equally bizarre, non-functional creations.
    • The complexity of knitting patterns, including understanding fabric types, pattern-making, and the capabilities of manufacturing machinery, remains beyond the current capabilities of AI.
  2. Accuracy in Depiction:
    • AI image generators struggle to accurately depict the intricate details of knitting, such as the positioning of hands, yarn, and needles. These generators often produce images with disjointed yarn strands and inconsistent knitting patterns.
    • The lack of clarity and precision in representing the knitting process detracts from the overall realism of the images, making them unsuitable for practical use.
  3. Ethical Concerns:
    • The use of AI without clear disclosure raises ethical questions. Designers using AI-generated images or patterns without stating so may mislead consumers about the origin and authenticity of their designs.
    • There are also concerns about AI programs using existing patterns without permission or compensation, which could be seen as copyright infringement.

The Role of AI in the Creative Process

While AI can be a tool to aid in the design process, it is crucial to understand its limitations and the importance of human expertise:

  1. Aid vs. Replacement:
    • AI can be used to generate ideas and inspire creativity, but it is unlikely to replace the skills and expertise of human designers. The value of a pattern or design lies not just in its creation but also in the practical knowledge and experience that a human designer brings.
  2. Transparency:
    • Transparency is key when using AI in the design process. Consumers should be aware if AI has been used to generate or aid in the creation of a pattern. This transparency helps maintain trust and ensures that the value of human craftsmanship is not diminished.
  3. Cultural and Historical Context:
    • AI may not fully understand the cultural and historical context of traditional knitting patterns. For example, Gjertsen’s use of AI to create a pattern inspired by Nordic, Kven, and Sami cultural heritage raises questions about whether AI can truly capture the essence of these traditions.

Future Potential and Considerations

As AI technology continues to evolve, it is essential to consider its impact on the crafting community:

  1. Shortening the Design Process:
    • AI can potentially shorten the design process by generating ideas and simplifying certain tasks. However, this must be balanced with the need for human oversight to ensure practicality and quality.
  2. Manufacturing Challenges:
    • One of the significant challenges introduced by AI-generated designs is the manufacturing process. AI-generated images may look realistic, but translating these designs into physical garments can be problematic due to issues with pattern-making and fabric types.
  3. Bias and Representation:
    • AI can replicate existing biases if not used vigilantly. Ensuring diverse representation in AI-generated designs is crucial to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or underrepresenting certain groups.

Conclusion

The integration of AI in knitwear design is a complex issue with both promising and challenging aspects. While AI can aid in the creative process, it is essential to recognize its limitations and ensure transparency about its use. Human designers remain the experts, and their skills and knowledge are irreplaceable in creating functional, culturally relevant, and high-quality knitting patterns. As AI technology advances, it is crucial to address the ethical, practical, and cultural concerns associated with its use in the crafting community.

Pixel to stitch knitting

Wildemasche products are made using pixel-to-stitch knitting, where one pixel in the design equals one stitch in the product.

embroidery vs pixel to stitch knitting
  • Knitted designs are permanent and resistant to tearing, washing out, or fading.
  • The whole surface of a knitted product can be designed with customizable colors for each stitch (up to the maximum number of colors).
  • There is a limit to the number of colors that can be used in knitting, typically 2 to 5 colors at a time.
  • Designs in knitting need to be reduced in size to fit a grid, resulting in lower resolution compared to printed or embroidered products.
  • Embroidery is the decoration of fabric or materials with needle and thread, as opposed to knitting which creates a textile by manipulating yarn in loops.

Jacquard knitting and embroidery are both techniques used to create intricate designs on fabric, but they differ in their methods and applications. Jacquard knitting can create complex patterns directly into the fabric structure, while embroidery involves stitching designs onto a separate fabric base.

In terms of display, jacquard knitting can produce a more seamless and integrated design, as the pattern is part of the fabric itself. This makes it suitable for larger, more architectural designs. On the other hand, embroidery allows for more flexibility and creativity in terms of color and thread choices, as well as the ability to add dimension and texture to the design. Embroidery is often used for smaller, more detailed designs, and can be displayed on a wider variety of fabric bases.

About Wildemasche knitting

Wildemasche is a German company that specializes in custom knit designs, including scarves, hats, blankets, and sweaters. They offer the unique service of knitting any AI image into a custom masterpiece. Wildemasche’s online store allows customers to design their own custom fan scarves or knitted blankets.

Football scarf knitting at Wildemasche

Additionally, they offer other knitted items such as beanies and football scarves, as well as bolts of custom-knit fabric for sewing projects. Wildemasche occasionally provides coupon codes and promotional offers for discounts on their products.

When ordering a custom scarf or sweater, it is recommended to do so with ample time, especially during main and peak season in fall and winter, as the knitting and delivery process takes much longer during this time.

Custom sweater knitting at Wildemasche

How to put a portrait on a scarf

Well, well, so you want to put a portrait on a knit scarf. Then we have some hints and best practices here for you:

  • Keep the design simple and clear, focusing on the key elements like the portrait.
  • Don’t get too detailed, as football scarves are knitted, not printed or embroidered.
  • Use the full size of the scarf for the portrait or logo.
  • Keep the portrait or text at least two pixels away from the edge for better visibility.
  • Use a contrasting color for the portrait edges so it stands out from the background.
  • Limit the number of colors to four or less for better results.
  • Avoid using white or very light colors as the plain background, as they may appear “dirty” due to the knitting process.
portrait scarf

Placement
Most football scarves have the logos or designs on the edges, rotated 90 degrees, so they are visible when the scarf is worn around the neck. You can follow this convention and place the boy portrait on the edges, rotated 90 degrees.

By following these guidelines, you can create an effective and visually appealing football scarf design featuring a portrait.