working with lightweight fabrics can create very delicate effects and to get a more see through effect i wondered if (?) i cut away the backing beneath the appliqués, how would that look? it is also a great way, i think, to even out the weight of the overall piece especially if you work layer on layer.
again i am looking for a freer style, patchwork with out seams, something to recycle scraps and thread ends, something portable. what if (?) 
i use torn rag strips, couched down over ragged edge patches? that is what i asked myself. marker grid (2" boxes) on double layer of linen. overcast patches in alternate boxes. ragged torn scraps 1/2 wide. backstitched first straddling the edge line. over-casted and pulled into place. also tried 2 strips twisted. more potential i think here for decorating the dividers. 
...so after this post, i thought i would take it further and ask what if (?) i patch some pieces together so each one can be a different color. or fabric. well, i am glad i asked that question.
a chain of caramel cats. ready for applique.
remember those great folded paper chains we used to make when we were kids? i wondered if (?) that could be applied to fabric. 
indigo on indigo star, ragged edge, tacked with indigo thread. 2 1/2" star motif
excuse me while i perfect this idea and do a tutorial....later...
well, if (?) you have a few stray blocks around and don't have the time to make a bunch more, you could always apply them to a base cloth or an existing project. that can work and give some added variation and dimension, not to mention use up some things that are laying around...
4" wonky log cabin blocks made by the talented dijanne cevaal from her beautiful hand dyed fabrics... appliquéd to a quilt in progress as a border treatment.
sheers can be used for see-through panels in fabric pieces but i was thinking also what if (?) they could just be used to change the tone and texture of a background. used here as a softener and base for embroidered motif. used here
margaret ramsay has also done some interesting posts on sheers. here and here.
the idea here (continued from) is to cover the sketched base with stitch. the base is both a guide and a stabilizer. the fabric underneath is a slippery old light faded slk jacquard, i am using a split stitch to fade the embroidery into the sateen weave base. this is part of my march TIF and it is a gift, so it will be completed at spirit cloth. the method works well, but it is quite slow.
i wanted to do a fairly detailed embroidery from a sketch on a piece already in progress. i thought what if i trace that sketch onto a lightweight base and use it as an applique, as a guide to embroider over. i am sure there are easier ways, but it was a question that needed an answer and i didn't have to buy anything special. the window makes a great lightbox. the muslin base adds nice subtle padding.
..(quick scan)
...applique is 1.5"
...muslin with micron pen
...single end embroidery
...applique blanket detail, to be fringed
in process...to be continued.
some progress from where i started here, i have added a 'dotted line = running stitch' concept and also i wondered what would happen if i create contrast between stitching and appliqué for the dot fillings. the different shades of indigo are working nicely here.
in process for side by side.
i couldn't help wondering if i could applique such a tiny figure with linen fabric. and then i thought what if i can't. so i tried, knowing i was in for some trouble, but willing to work through it. i lost one of the front legs in the process and i will need to patch that somehow, since i did it directly on the quilt. if it was cotton it would have been easier. linen has a harder more slippery surface and the it frays more. just a quick try with no fuss, i will try some other methods. this one will have a story over here.
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