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.