Customer Reviews

Kaleidoscopes and Quilts

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

In a humorous yet informative way, Paula Nadelstern teaches you how to manipulate fabric into beautiful kaleidoscopes bursting with vibrancy. Anyone who has seen Paula Nadelstern's kaleidoscope quilts might think that the technique would be too difficult, but Nadelstern breaks her technique down into manageable steps. I highly recommend this book for those who are becoming bored with traditional patchwork quilting. It's sure to revive your love of fabric and quilting

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!

This is a beautiful book. I look at it nearly every day just to see the pictures of the authors work. The technique is easy to understand and written with a lot of humor.

This is a beautiful book. I look at it nearly every day just to see the pictures of the authors work. The technique is easy to understand and written with a lot of humor.

I just can't put this book down, I carry it around all the time. It has given me a new way of looking at fabric and really everything in nature. I would like to see a web page of just this type of work. It might just be out there and I have not found it. Let me know if you see it. My only problem is that we don't have the Liberty of London fabric in Hawaii that she uses in these quilts. Try it, you'll love it

I have four of Paula Nadelstern's books and this one is by far my favorite. The variety of the kaleidoscopes shown in this book are amazing. Although I love all of Nadelstern's work, these represent a completely different palette of fabrics (since here more recent books show works that are largely done from fabrics of her own designs). This book really inspires you to look at fabric in a new way and to create using wedges of different sizes within the same quilt composition. It really inspires you to combine geometric, novelty, batik and traditional fabrics and to view them from different angles. In many of the works displayed, the backgrounds are integral to the design and not just a kaleidoscope against a constant background. I bought my copy used and couldn't be more pleased by the condition of it. (I must admit, it's not in as good shape now that I've been reading it so often!) Well worth the purchase even at full price!

It is such a gem! The author's generousity in sharing her creativities and knowledges is admirable. She is an artist.