Combo Spinning - The Jacket

In March, I wrote about the Combo Spin I did and the project I planned to knit with the handspun yarn. Remember the four fiber braids that I started with?

Well, here’s the completed jacket! It’s the Harlequin Swagger coat by Jane Slicer-Smith.

This was a fun knitting project. The miters are basic knit and purl stitches with a double decrease in the center (SK2P).

SK2P - Slip one knit-wise, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over

Interesting patterns are created by varied combinations of stockinette and garter stripes in two colors. My variation comes from using the variegated yarns from the combo spin.

As I said, the construction was brilliantly designed. Initially the miters are knit from waist to hem in stripes of stockinette and garter worked on larger needles (US7/4.5mm). This allows the skirt to flare and drape beautifully.

Then progressively smaller miters are knit using a combination of fewer stitches and decreasing needle sizes (US 6/4 mm, US 5/3.75mm, US 3/3.25 mm). This produces a tapered fit to the bodice and sleeves that accentuate the skirt's flare.

For the 2-color Swagger coat, the pattern called for 1250 yards of Color A and 1050 yards of Color B. For color A I used 988 yards (roughly 3 1/4 skeins) of commercial yarn, Lion Brand LB Collection Superwash Merino in wisteria and quail. Color B used 883 yards of my combo spin. I still have 240 yards left for another project. Maybe, matching mitts?

The final measurements on my garment are spot on for my knitted size. Bodice circumference 39". Length 30". Sleeve length 25 1/2". Skirt circumference 56". It fits me perfectly, although the sleeves are just a tad long with the mitered point extending onto my hand . . . It just makes it a little toastier to wear on crisp days!