Kaleidoscopes & Quilts

Rating:
Summary: Can that be fabric?
Review: Ever think that you'd like depart from traditional patchwork and make an art quilt that will make people gasp? Open this book. The quilts photographed in this book are amazing. And the idea seems so simple, once it's broken down for you in painstaking detail. You'll learn about selecting a collection of fabrics for kaleidoscope quilts, and how to look at them and create patterns for your own kaleidoscopes. No two need ever be alike.

Rating:
Summary: This one is worth it!
Review: I borrowed this book from the library and renewed it so many times, they finally told me I had reached my limit and had to return it. I've been trying to check it out again and it is NEVER there. I miss it, a lot, especially since I am working on my first kaleidoscope quilt (which is also my first quilt ever -- although not my first sewing project, by a long shot) so decided its time to buy my own copy. Would I recommend this to anyone else? ABSOLUTELY. Great concept backed up by clear directions, good photos and good writing -- I like the "Snowflakes" book, too, but am not going to try that until I have done a few Kaleidoscopes.

Rating:
Summary: I Love this book!
Review: I own alot of traditional quilting books but wasn't really satisfied making traditional quilts. When I first saw Paula Nadelstern's quilts I was awestruck. When I saw the book I knew I had to have it and I have not been disapointed. Nadelstern writes clearly and with just the right touch of humor. Her instructions give you exactly the information that you need to know (but assumes that you have made a quilt or two so she doesn't dwell on the basics). The section on choosing fabrics is very thorough although I have found that I've had to alter the way I look at fabrics now since symmetrical fabric motifs are key to the success of kaleidescopes. Naturally, I was also forced (smile) into buying alot of new fabric for my kaleidescopes. By the way, Nadelstern has designed a line of fabric for Bernartex called Symmetry that is perfect for these quilts--
These are not simple quilts - the biggest change is that you let the fabrics choose the shape of the template - but boy is it a rewarding experience. I also own her book Snowflakes & Quilts which takes the kaleidescope a bit further and turns it into a snowflake. I recommend both books very highly.

Rating:
Summary: Not for the Faint at Heart
Review: This is an exciting, challenging book that will stretch your imagination. Not recommended for a beginner quiltmaker, but a whole lot of fun for those of us who are a bit tired of the "tried and true" quilting of our ancestors. Terrific fun with colors, too!

Rating:
Summary: Not for the Faint at Heart
Review: This is an exciting, challenging book that will stretch your imagination. Not recommended for a beginner quiltmaker, but a whole lot of fun for those of us who are a bit tired of the "tried and true" quilting of our ancestors. Terrific fun with colors, too!