Susan Silverstein’s
“Fly Away Free” Jacket

“I decided to make this jacket, Jill Vosburg's Fly Away Free, to wear to my parents' 50th wedding anniversary party. I had a dress I had worn to a formal event, but the jacket was way too formal for the Florida party -- too sparkly -- and I wanted something dressy and ME. I used Colinette Giotto that I ordered from a favorite ebay vendor, I just got lucky that she had multiple skeins of the color I wanted when I wanted it!

I don't remember how many stitches I cast on, but I think I used the 2 stitches per inch version, and planned for 60 inches around. I think I used four skeins, definitely less than the six I ordered. (Any bets on whether I learn to keep better records of my projects?) I had trouble learning the veil stitch as a continental knitter, and wound up using the alternate version that Jill has in the pattern -- once I figured out what 'purling into the back' meant it was fine, I did many more pattern repeats than she suggested, because I wanted it longer -- below the hips.

It looked lovely, and was exactly what I wanted, although I was nervous throughout the whole venture. I even brought an alternate dress to wear! The day before the party I decided I didn't like the jewelry I had for it, so I went to the local craft store and bought emergency jewelry making supplies! I had no idea what I was doing (having only made simple bead designs before) but had a vision of the necklace I wanted, and the final result was very close to what I wanted.