Attic Window
 

So, here's my question: I have a large panel of a woodland scene. When I cut it into squares for my "windows" do I take out the fabric that the "window frame" would hide if it was real? Or do I just use all the fabric? Does that question make sense to you? :thumbup:

Not sure I totally understand your question, but I'll try to help! You cut out pieces of your woodland scene fabric in the size the pattern requires for the "window" square, fussy cutting out what you want to have showing in each window. Remember that the seam allowance will be taken and make a bit less of the "window scene" show when sewn together. The frame pieces will then be cut of another fabric that will appear to be a frame to your woodland scene! Do I make any sense? Probably not!

Usually you'll have to take out the 'frame' amount otherwise you will distort the images. Your deer, horse, or trees will become wide or tall, depending on whether it's a verical or horizontal cut. A floral landscape might be okay, but nothing with a discernable shape.

I just finished an Attic Window quilt, but mine were separate images so I didn't have your issue.

I think it depends on what your panel is--I did a big bunch of these last year and simply cut my panel into the required number of squares--was careful to keep them in order, but I did not worry about taking any of the fabric out to accommodate the window pane. I was following a pattern (no idea whose) and that was the way they said to do it. All my panels were scenery, garden scenes, and some winter wonderland scenes.

Good luck on your quilt. An Attic Window quilt is on my to do list for 2012. I am glad you questioned this pattern as the replies you receive will also benefit me. Thanks.

Mine is on the quilting frame ready for Tin Lizzie to do her magic. Mine is scenes of golfers.

I have a piece of fabric I am thinking the same thing for. I think I have decided to not take any out, and make the window frames on the thinner side... there may be some distorted bears, but it is so pretty I don't think I can make myself turn any bit of it to scrap! But, by the time I start I may think something else!!

It's all illusion! Do what makes sense to you. I just cut the pieces. It will awe and amaze either way! I love attic windows.
Sandy

Thank you all for your ideas..... mine will be eagles flying. Think I will try it as is and then remove the "frame" portion if it distorts the eagle too much. I would have responded earlier... but just figured out how to find my thread!!! LOL I'll get there!

Several years ago I made an attic windown quilt and didnt fussy cut but rather just cut into the squares required for the size. In the end I didn't really notice that it was not fussy cut. It was an all over jungle scene.
I then did what I call a "Mock Attic Window". This means I didn't cut the sashing for a mitred corner but rather folded over the end making the mitre. It went together really fast. I didn't close the fold mitre but probably should have. I really don't feel that you need to fussy cut unless the pattern is one that might require it. No one has evern commented on my cutting the tails of the monkeys off. After all, if you look out the windown you are going to cut some of the scene at the edges of the window frame.

Jillnjo,... you make perfect sense!
Irishrose,..... that's what I was afraid of!
Moreland,.... I'm winging it... no pattern, but it doesn't look that hard. Although a Y seam may get me!
Shnnn,.... I LOVE your avatar
Sandygirl,... now if I can just get my hubby out of the house so I can do this and surprise him!

I usually cut my panels apart, carefully using ruler and roatary cutter. Measure 1/4 inch from edge of area I want to focus on.I came up with a pattern for the Benartex Woodlands panel. The panel has unequal areas so I broke it up with interesting units cut from what I probably would've put in the scrap bag before. My spring project of a quilt for our local Relay for Life fundraiser will use different all over print but I will cut it like the panel. The trick is to measure before you cut and plot out your block/unit sizes. If I can figure out how to post the photo I will post the one of my finished wall hanging from the Benartex panel.

Thanks Holice!!

WilliP, would love to see your quilt!

If your window sashes are not too wide, you should not have to cut the pieces off the panel. You need seam allowances, so...can you audition out the the window sashes before cutting the panel. Just iron the seam allowances in to get a true look.

Ooops, didn't realize you were strictly attic windows cutting. Same holds true though, measure 1/4 inch from where you want to have show in the panes. I did a bear one for a class last year. Still need to quilt it. Just 4 panes but such a big learning pain. LOL