Swans are frequent and beloved subjects in painting, poetry, prose, opera and ballet. In Scandinavia, Finland, and northern Russia, folklore and mythology contain numerous tales about the magical and redemptive powers of swans, and their care of humans, especially children. Yet there are few, if any, swan motifs used in knitting. In one folk tale, the northern lights are the sun reflecting off swans’ wings as they escape the polar ice. In yet another myth, three Norse goddesses have transformed themselves into swans representing past, present, and future. Past has her head down (what’s done is done); future, with raised head, looks confidently ahead; while present embraces both past and future with outstretched wings. For this jacket design, representations of the three Norse swans are arranged in panels, a favorite Nordic design technique. The borders and collar use another swan motif to frame the garment.