What if patchwork could be done without seams? (Original Post) An appliqué approach to f traditional geometric patterning. Done in a non - traditional method. I thought I would start with a ragged edge appliqué approach. A nine patch is my usual strting layout for most things.
What if the ragged edges from #3, ragged 9 patch, were tacked at regular intervals. would it be more stable and perform better after washing? What effect would it yield?
-The cloth weaving process is very manageable in such a small piece.
-The torn ragged edge frays less than the cut version.
-The web has some stability of its own
-The web is pinned and then basted to a very light weight foundation to avoid extra bulk.(targeted for appliqué)
-The basting also doubles as quilting.
-Some decorative corner tacking experiments have inspired more work in this area.
-Nice drape is achieved because of the woven aspect.
-Velvet work well as a textural touch.
- A nice way to use trimmings and leftovers.
- Appliqué trial will be posted on Spirit Cloth blog, link added here after completion. (Related links to the spirit cloth blog: 1 , 2 .)
Note: 12/29/2012. This was one of my first cloth weaving experiments. Now this is one of my signature techniques.
Cloth to Cloth Instructional series. a basic work on your own class in cloth weaving.
i was only wondering what if fabric could be used to frame fabric, one special treasure having all the focus in a piece... thinking about formats to display special or vintage scraps. 
an uneven ninepatch to emphasize the center.
all linen with cotton lawn triangles
8"x8"
center shibori patchwork block appliqued to double woven linen based, no batting.
center framed in 2 color double running stitch, DMC 3 strands
points of grid defined with tiny embroidered stars
quilted in blocks using varied color-DMC 2 strands
applique triangles pointing to center.
ragged torn strip linen edge
machine washed 2X.
i like the combination of controlled and free form elements.
this format can be a nice substitute for mat frames around special collectible fabrics.
once a technique is established there is always a what if i apply it to something else, so here it was what if i use the punctured surface texture as a stippling technique? and the indigo rag weaving as a design element?
51/2" x 71/2" cotton yarn dyed indigo ground, punched with a scissor blade as in #12
applique beast cut from a balinese batik
birds in the moon applique with quilted spiral, from an old sun faded shirt
woven strip across bottom as in #11, stitched to spread flat.
machine washed and dried with towel to rough up ragged edges.
what if i cut the cross section from one plaid and ehance the section of another to get an ikat effect.
(or something)...this example, haphazardly appliquéd (from my bird robe) has inspired further study. the idea is to find similar colorations where one fabric has a lighter or different color thread in the pattern so you can patch in a sort of discontinuous motif. or to place one yarn dyed pattern over another to create another pattern, to fool the eye, to confuse the issue of technique.
to be continued....
i thought if i just cut a small section of a beautiful shibori on silk it could make a nice applique.
by stitching, i could transform it into a picture somehow.
this one reminded me a of a tree.
i decided to quilt it down and then work outside the border. if i did this i could extend the impact of the patch. below is a quick scan, photo later.
quite a while ago i attempted to weave an appliqué into the ground fabric and was happy with the results.
i am inspired by this little scrap of silk that came out of an old swatch book. slightly glue stained. it is calling to me in some way to be integrated into #24. the colors are similar and i am wondering IF i can work this in some how using that weaving process. i am treading on thin ice here i think.
as an extra what-if to this adventure, i would like to note to myself that it might be interesting IF i start a digital archive of all antique and interesting fabrics in my collection. an inspiration depot.
to be continued....
integrated applique is meant to describe a process of applying one fabric to another, and making them one by defining some sort of relationship between the two elements. 
i have picked the meeting point. a color and motif element that seems common to both. i will start here and try to work out the rest of the edges with some sort of sympathy to the observed harmony that seem to exist here. at least to me.
there are many ways to "weave" things together
three methods of integration are being combined in this experiment.
darning-merging color with stitches , mixing colors together to melt the edge.
overlapping- cutting through existing top layer and sliding appliqué under.
weaving- cutting horizontal slits into base. cutting vertical fringe on appliqué. weaving appliqué fringe strips into base.