....the original concept grew out of what if (?) there is just an illusion of seams and patchwork. i achieved the base piece by ironing scattered freezer paper shapes on a gorgeous yarn dyed ombre*** plaid. and then applying a thin layer of soft scrub with bleach, the discharged area of the plaid is a ghostly pale version of the original. 
then... since the illusion was pleasing i thought what if (?) i quilt each shape with variagated thread to give the illusion of changing color. i didn't have the muted colors i wanted so i just thought what if i dip my existing colors in tan dye? so i did.
7" square, cotton discharged plaid stitched to linen twill.
***Ombre
n. A French term meaning "shaded." Usually a multicolored stripe, with colors graduating from light to dark. The color effect is woven into the fabric. Generally produced by arranging different tones in the warp.