Kaleidoscopes & Quilts

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.