Kaleidoscopes and Quilts [Paperback]

Paula Nadelstern (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996 | ISBN-10: 1571200185 | ISBN-13: 978-1571200181

Paula Nadelstern brings you the definitive book on kaleidoscopic quilts. She combines the symmetry and surprise of a kaleidoscope with the techniques and materials of quiltmaking. The color and complexity of Paula's quilts invite the reader to return again and again. Filled with actual images of kaleidoscopes, the book covers the elements of design and techniques used to create the multifaceted, luminous, and random nature of a scope's interior on the flat surface of a quilt. Paula writes clear, straightforward instructions with wonderful humor. She focuses not on rules but on guidelines that will assist you in the creation of successful designs. Note: The printing quality in this copy may vary from the original offset printing edition and may look more saturated due to printing on demand by a high-quality printer on uncoated paper. The information presented in this version is the same as the most recent printed edition. Any pattern pullouts have been separated and presented as single pages. Note: The printing quality in this copy may vary from the original offset printing edition and may look more saturated due to printing on demand by a high-quality printer on uncoated paper. The information presented in this version is the same as the most recent printed edition. Any pattern pullouts have been separated and presented as single pages.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Anyone interested in color, pattern, and design--even those who aren't quilters--will be fascinated by Kaleidoscopes & Quilts. Paula Nadelstern, who confesses to being "mesmerized by the irregular order that emerges in a haphazard pile of fabric," creates astonishing, luminous quilts inspired by the kaleidoscope. The 20-page gallery of quilts shows off her creations superbly: against glossy black pages, the jeweled colors, intricate patterns, and stained-glass brilliance of these quilts positively sparkle. Keep in mind that this is not a step-by-step introduction for the novice; previous quilting experience is presumed. But the coverage of all of the technicalities of this specialized technique--from figuring the pattern angles to planning, cutting, and arranging the design--is clear and extensive. A final, brief photo section salutes the item that started it all, the kaleidoscope itself.

From Library Journal

The kaleidoscope was invented in 1816 by Sir Davis Brewster and was originally intended as a design tool for artists, though it later attained wider use as a children's toy. Nadelstern has used the kaleidoscope as a take-off point for the breathtakingly gorgeous quilts featured in this book. This is a personal book dedicated to one purpose: teaching techniques for making kaleidoscope quilts that the author had to learn through trial and error. If, along the way, that same reader is entertained by Nadelstern's wit, so much the better. Recommended for all textile collections.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 146 pages
• Publisher: C&T Publishing (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571200185
• ISBN-13: 978-1571200181
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #508,742 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Paula Nadelstern has achieved international recognition for her innovative and complex designs inspired by the bilateral symmetry of kaleidoscopic images, including the American Folk Art Museum's first one person exhibition highlighting the work of a contemporary quilt artist (2009). Honored by inclusion in the Twentieth Century's 100 Best American Quilts, her designs have inspired industrial products including the vast carpet in the Hilton Americas hotel in Houston, TX. She was a recipient of fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts in 1995 and 2001. Paula lives in New York City and travels extensively teaching her kaleidoscopic quiltmaking techniques.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Love this book!, February 18, 2002

By 

"mcc84" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kaleidoscopes and Quilts (Paperback)

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.

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This one is worth it!, March 28, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Kaleidoscopes and Quilts (Paperback)

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.

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can that be fabric?, June 19, 2000

By 

Susan Bischoff - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kaleidoscopes and Quilts (Paperback)

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.