In the summer of 1952 (probably August), a performance known as Theater Piece No. 1 occurred at Black Mountain College in North Carolina. It was orchestrated by John Cage, but included the collaboration of other artists at the college.

One night after dinner, John Cage lectured on Zen Buddhism, Robert Rauschenberg exhibited paintings and spun vinyl, Charles Olson read poetry, David Tudor played piano, and Merce Cunningham danced while being chased by a dog. Coffee was served. Each participant performed their chosen activity for a fixed amount of time. This performance is considered to be the first “Happening” and perhaps the beginning of performance art in America.

While playful, John Cage’s concept of indeterminacy was at the heart of Theater Piece No.1. Indeterminacy is an approach to composing where aspects of the final outcome are left open to chance or free choice.

As a designer, I wanted to develop a pattern where concept of indeterminacy could enter into knit design. The Happenings Wrap contains eighteen sections, the colors and patterns for those sections are determined by the roll of a pair of dice.

Pattern Details:

Yardage for this pattern will vary from project to project. Plan to use 150g/ 650 yds of your Main Color #1. For the additional five colors, you will use between 75-100g/300-400 yds.

This pattern includes:

• Eight suggested color palettes.
• Written instructions for each of the six stitch patterns. The six stitch patterns included in the Happenings wrap are based on the garter stitch. Knitters use one color at a time for ease of knitting. A schematic for the finished object.

The finished Happening Wrap can be worn in many different ways. The buttons and buttonholes will allow you to play with it and style it to your own personal taste.

Dimensions: 30 inches wide x 60 inches long