Amphidrome

Amphidrome Knitted Shawl by Renée Callahan

What is Being Made

Amphidrome is a luxurious rectangular knitted shawl designed by Renée Callahan. This versatile wrap features an unusual construction method that creates a distinctive aesthetic. The shawl functions as a truly multipurpose garment: wear it as a light blanket when extra warmth is needed, style it as a fancy shawl for elegant occasions, or layer it as a warm scarf during winter months. The rectangular shape makes it practical and easy to wear in various ways.

Construction and Design

The Amphidrome shawl employs a unique construction technique that sets it apart from traditional shawl patterns. The shawl begins at its centre using Judy Becker's magic cast-on method, which allows for a seamless starting point. From this central point, the shawl grows outward in concentric ripples, creating a chevron lace pattern that radiates from the centre of the wrap. The construction method involves working in rounds from the centre until the full width of the wrap is achieved, after which each end is worked flat to complete the rectangular shape.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This advanced-level knitting project features a chevron lace stitch pattern as its primary design element. The chevron lace creates the distinctive rippling effect that radiates outward from the shawl's centre. The use of Judy Becker's magic cast-on is a key technique that enables the centre-out construction method. Working in rounds followed by flat sections requires proficiency with circular needle techniques and the ability to transition between different working methods. The advanced difficulty rating reflects the complexity of managing the lace pattern, understanding the geometric construction, and executing the transition from circular to flat knitting.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Amphidrome is designed to be worked in DK-weight yarn. The recommended yarn is The Wool Kitchen BFL & Silk, a blend of 55% superwash Bluefaced Leicester wool and 45% silk. This yarn is available in the colourway Twilight and provides 212 metres or 232 yards per 100-gram skein. The complete shawl requires approximately 3 skeins, totalling approximately 300 grams, 636 metres, or 696 yards of yarn. The silk content in this yarn blend adds a luxurious drape and subtle sheen appropriate for the shawl's elegant design. If substituting yarn, knitters should select DK-weight alternatives with similar yardage requirements.

Needles and Tools

This project requires 4 mm (US size 6) circular needles in an 80 cm (32 inch) length. The longer circular needle length is essential for accommodating the shawl's width as it grows outward from the centre during the round-knitting portion of construction.

Skill Level

Amphidrome is rated as an advanced knitting project. The advanced difficulty reflects the combination of techniques required: executing a chevron lace pattern, managing the magic cast-on method, working in expanding rounds, and transitioning to flat knitting. Knitters should have solid experience with lace knitting, comfortable familiarity with circular needles, and the ability to read and follow complex stitch patterns before beginning this project.