The Quilting world is full of a diverse range of quilters that offer a different view and perspective on the art of quilting. And thank goodness!! Wouldn’t it be boring if all quilters had the same focus, likes and dislikes. There would be no innovation, originality, creativity or freshness to inspire us.

This is where Paula Nadelstern comes in. Paula (through C&T Publishing, Inc) has just released her new book titled Kaleidoscope Quilts, An Artist’s Journey Continues. Just the cover of the book makes me drool. This is definitely eye candy for the quilter. Open the book and you’ll commence the most wonderful journey through the body and soul of Kaleidoscope design, right through to creation of a Kaleidoscope Quilt.

I Googled the definition of a Kaleidoscope Quilt and the definition states a continually changing pattern of shapes and colors . That certainly describes the effect that the Kaleidoscope pattern gives. It certainly looks very complicated and difficult, but I’m here to tell you Paula goes a long way to explain, in easy to understand terms how to go about creating these one of a kind heirlooms.



Fundamentally the Kaleidoscope block is made up of symmetrical triangles that are pieced together. Quite simple really. What Paula does, is to take us to the next level of thought processes to challenge ourselves and come up with a truly unique design.

The first half of this beautiful publication is taken up with the Quilt Gallery, which is a showing of some 19 quilts, complete with an overview of the creation and a selection of diagrams explaining the basic block structure.

The remainder of the book is taken up with Paula talking in depth about her piecing policy, her design strategies and the fabric that she chooses. This section alone is worth the purchase of this book. Following that, is a section on the technical side of Kaleidoscope creation including templating, drafting an angle and finishing. Paula also includes a workbook to get you started on this fabulous journey.

This publication, all 127 pages, takes you beyond your wildest dreams, and into the realms of possibility, something a lot of quilt books do not achieve. I thank Paula for this creative work that must have taken many hours of effort. It is clearly written for the basic and more advanced quilter alike, and will become a definitive book of its genre.

As a postcript to the above, Paula Nadelstern will be holding the first one-person exhibition highlighting the work of a contemporary quilt artist from April 21 to September 6 2009, at the American Folk Art Museum in New York city. Go to www.folkartmuseum.org for further details



Paula Nadelstern Website