applique

I have used all three methods. I do not use dyes, I use set a color paints and a little bottle of ink in a spray bottle then some salt for a mottled look. I have even used the painted fabric to piece the background. I like painted or commercial fabrics (usually batiks or Mickey Lawler) which give the 'feel' of water or sky. I use a regular piecing pattern (one was diamonds going lengthwise another was a southern star) and it blends together for the right look. When commercial fabrics don't blend well I will overspray them with paint so they go together. Won a ribbon with one although the judge's comment was that there wasn't enough contrast in the pieced background for good definition! Both of the sold for quite a lot and I have no pictures of them. I do have a picture of the first ones I made with just squares to see if the idea worked.