Freeform crochet and knitting

http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2011/06/23/3251962.htm?site=alicesprings

For other uses of the term 'freeform,' see Freeform (disambiguation).

Freeform crochet and knitting is a seemingly random combination of crochet, knitting and possibly other fibre arts to make a piece that is not constrained by patterns, colours, stitches or other limitations.

The roots of this "art" are thought to be in the 1960s and 1970s but the late 20th and early 21st centuries have seen a revival and progression of this form of textile expression. Well known freeformers are Penny O'neill, James Walters, Sylvia Cosh, Jenny Dowde, Jan Messent, Margaret Hubert, Prudence Mapstone and others.

One feature of this freeform art is that group pieces can be made by people of varying expertise and experience. Leftover and scrap yarn can be made into scrumbles that can later be joined together. The name 'scrumbles' was coined by James Walter and Syliva Cosh during the 1990s and has remained the term since. Although, it is interesting that [Jenny Dowde in her books Freeform Knitting & Crochet, Freeformations and Surface Work][1] has coined her terminology of the word Scrumbling as Fragments.

http://www.beautifulsilks.com/workshops/pennyo%27neill.html