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?
After trying a fairly intricate reverse appliqué using fine linen on linen on linen, I ran into an expected fraying problem. the small edges were hard to turn and I got frayed cracks at the inside curves. Those linen threads slide right out. So I tried binding the edges with split backstitch and overcasting and it was convincingly sturdy. But I started thinking what if i make this mending process a design element.???...(including fixing up a cutting mistake I made in the reverse applique process)
I just .love the effect of the colored binding stitch and found I could use varying amounts of strands(DMC floss) to control the weight of the color outlines. And the stitch became looser as I became more comfortable. An embroidered leaf covers the mis-cut.
some planned pre-frayed edges.
edged by backing, quiting still in process.
machine wash test planned.
-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.
what if i weave indigo torn strips into an existing indigo base? 
i made slits in the base to weave the rag strips in. indigo fabric tears nicely with nice color variation on the edges.
i chose indigo thread to quilt with and a contrasting brown DMC, 2 strands to tie the woven strips. (although this can be reversible, i framed this as a center panel and backed it with a double layer of gauze, wondering if i could use some fussy cut borders from an old indigo batik) liking it... and now wondering if i can create a refashioned antique by recycling scraps of authentic ethnic fabrics. patching them together for a new look. details to be published in next post.
i've always wondered what would happen if i punched holes in indigo fabric and then machine washed it. could those raggedy frayed holes be used as a design element? indigo dyed fabric has the advantage of a real color fade in the frayed edge so even a small hole should yield a visible wound. 
5x8" , cotton plain weave hand woven from yarn dyed indigo (15/1), punctured with a tiny scissor blade to break threads in a varied grid of dots,machine washed, hot dryer with softener sheet.
-punctures fray with nice color change, patterning visible.
-tiny holes close up with fray.
-further potential for decorative effect without weakening fabric.
-nice subtle texture
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.
and so it hit me, what if i leave the flaps of the cuts for holes and fold them back, and tack them so they become a frame for the hole. halos.
before wash, just for reference. in case it disappears.
wash results 
show stability and a nice fray.
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....