this shawl is part of the Amplify - Vol. 1 collection, which features 7 shawl patterns all ‘inspired’ by 7 different songs. amplify is a collection of 7 shawls, ranging from triangles to rectangles to half-pi and asymmetric shapes. different yarns, textures, colors, and inspiration for each…

and by inspired, I mean a more literal inspiration!

I have something called chromesthesia, which is a type of synesthesia that combines sounds and colors. It’s kind of like watching a movie while listening to music.

this collection is my first exploration into how this ability works for me, and it is an experiment in exercising a creative approach to translating colors and textures I see when I hear music into something knit-able.

• background - “Losing My Religion” is a gorgeous song by R.E.M. (The music video is also fantastic, and I would highly recommend taking a look.) Vocals, strings, and rhythm are reflected in this shawl as it combines multiple textured and lace stitches. I attempted to match each musical element (rhythm, vocals, mandolin, etc) to a texture and a color for an interesting and unique knit and maximum visual impact.

• notes - Losing My Religion combines texture, lace, garter, and stockinette. It’s a fun knit, worked modularly, which makes it great for travel. Each contrasting strip is worked individually, then stitches are picked up on each strip and joined together with a three-needle bind off. Knit this shawl as a treat for yourself or a gift for a special someone. Use a scrumptious yarn, like the lovely Blossom + Fern yarns I chose for this project!

I am really excited that this pattern is the FIRST of an amazing new format! Charts are on their own page, so you can choose exactly what to print. There’s check boxes for rows and repeats so you can easily note where you are in the pattern. There’s active links everywhere if you’re working from a mobile device, too. I hope you love this new setup as much as I do! Design by Kate Howland.

• techniques - This pattern uses several intermediate techniques: cables, lace, and picking up stitches. Tutorials for each are linked in the pattern.

• materials - Blossom + Fern Yarn Co MCN 80% superwash merino, 20% cashmere, 20% nylon; 425 yd/389 m per 120g skein MC: +silver leaf+; 2 skeins CC1: +wild wheat+; 1 skein: 58g used Darling Sock 80% superwash merino, 20% nylon; 425 yd/389 m per 115g skein CC2: +bittersweet+; 1 skein: 98g used CC3: +lavender+; 1 skein: 65g used CC4: +peony+; 1 skein: 72g used

Size 3/mm needles:
1 24”/60cm circular needle
2 60”/152cm circular needles

Size 4 needles:
1 24”/60cm circular needle

Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Cable needle
Waste yarn
Size F/3.75mm crochet hook