Attic Window distortion?
 

Newbie here. I have a panel with a car featured in the middle of it. I want to do an attic window treatment & make it into a wall hanging. I've viewed lots of YouTube videos so I understand how to create the window effect, but none of the videos tell me how to cut the "windows" so that the picture isn't distorted. I don't want the car to be elongated or distorted. I need to cut away some of the panel blocks to mimic what is hidden by the window frames. Is there some hint/tip/trick I can use to accomplish this ?

I've seen other attic windows which look great at first glance, but then you notice the deer's body is too long, or an ear is floating separated from its head, etc. Can you tell I'm a perfectionist? haha!

Trying to keep the actual size viewed from the window is going to be tricky. Overlaying a grid on top of the panel is the only way to do it, I suspect. You'll have to mark what is seen from the window, then remove the grid and add a quarter inch to each side of your markings. Trim each window from the panel including the seam allowance. That will cut out what the frame would ordinarily hide from view in the actual size view. You can see what is not going to be seen from the panel before you cut into the panel.

Make sure the grid is the finished width of the window frames, not the unfinished width. You can cut strips of low quality fabric to do the overlay. Overlay the entire panel before marking so you can see if it going to work the way you want it to.

I'm with you about those elongated images. I find most attic windows done with panels have frames that are way too thick and that tends to distort the image.

You may want to thin the sides of the frame instead to include more of the panel. Then do the overlay again and see what happens.

Another recommendation -- buy a second panel in case you're not happy with the overlay method.

Good luck and be sure to show us pictures!

Great response, ibex. I just cut the only panel I have ever done this with, but it was actually a fat quarter with DD's (childhood) art picture from Spoonflower.

Not a perfectionist ... you just want to make it look real and right!!
I'm much like you ... and would rather not do/make something, than to be disappointed in the results. And that's not just for quilting!

Keep with the guidelines from @ibex94 and I am sure you will be fine.
Do the math and measure once, twice, thrice!
Check. Double Check. Before you cut.
And yes, having a 2nd panel in reserve might not be a such a bad idea at all.

It'll be a real testament to your own strengths and abilities.
The rewards will be beyond your expectations.
The results will prove to be one of your best finished projects ever!

Good Luck! ... You CAN do it!

why not leave the panel intact and applique strips for the muntin bars between "window panes?

Muntin bars are those pieces of wood or metal between window panes. (My new word for the day)

Thanks for a new word, Bear! I've never heard that before. I would do it this way so much easier.

@bearisgray ... You had me at muntin, thinking of mullion. Of course, Google helped set me straight on the difference! :)

Your suggestion makes total sense, looks the easiest ... and avoids one heck of a lot of nervous vibes to get it right! :)

I copied the exact definition - (sorry for the earlier imprecision)

Muntin bars are vertical or horizontal strips—made of wood, metal, or vinyl—that divide a single window sash or door into smaller, decorative panes. Often called grilles or glazing bars, they are used to create traditional styles, such as colonial-type grids, while enhancing architectural aesthetics. They are distinct from structural mullions.

[QUOTE=bearisgray;8723500]why not leave the panel intact and applique strips for the muntin bars between "window panes?

You could still do a mock layout with paper strips to get the proportions and spacing right.

Then I would mark it with white chalk or ivory soap for where to put the strips.

You might consider doing fusible applique if this is going to be a wall hanging.

Or just quilt it like a mini-quilt to accent the car, put a quilt rod pocket/sleeve on the back, and hang it from a rod .

Also, make sure your panel is printed on-grain. If it is way off-grain, some people will say to just quilt it down and live with it.

If going with the fusible applique technique, wash your fabrics first so the pieces will hold together better.

More than one way to achieve an effect!