SharonC

I have been BITTEN by the Kaliedoscope quilt bug (I even learned how to spell Kaliedoscope :) )...can you recommend a book? I already have the fabric I want to use and I'm anxious to get started and set my other WIPs aside...for now.

AtHomeSewing

There are several, I have one by Rosenthal: One Block Wonder. This book describes is a simple process of stacking layers of fabric, exactly matching the repeats, and then how to cut it up. I'm amazed that the author figured out a way make entire book about a technique that could have been explained in a single page. But the pictures of the various quilts are fun.

I haven't looked at other books on kaleidoscope quilts, but there are several. Paula Nadelstern has at least one, and other authors as well. Doing a search though Amazon for Kaleidoscope Quilts should bring up a several for you to look at.

Have a good time, making a kaleidoscope is a fun! :)

billswife99

I have to recommend One Block Wonders too. It has certainly worked for me. I still have to get it out everytime I start cutting a new one. And once you master the layering of the fabrics, you can cut in any shape you want.

RedGarnet222

Oh gosh this is funny! I just bought Marti Mitchell's kalidescope ruler from the quilt store, Windy Moon Quilts.

I had purchased a used book from the bargains in the country store of the local quilter's guild at the quilt show two years ago.

I figured it was time to get serious about making one too. She is on line and you can look at her stuff there. I love the no brainer rulers ... LOL!

grammatjr

I too would recommend the One Block Wonder and Stack and Whack.

I especially recommend Paula Nadelstern's books. I have heard her speak and seen her snowflake wuilts in person, and they were incredible! Unfortunately, her snowflake book is out of print, and they charge 3-5 times as much as the original price if you manage to find one for sale. But, you may be able to locate it through an interlibrary loan.

http://www.paulanadelstern.com/quilt-gallery/index.html
Her website will inspire (and maybe intimidate) you. Obviously she does advanced level work, but it definitly shows what can be done with this technique. Paula's books tell you how to audition different fabrics.

Here is another quilter that does beautiful kaleidoscope quilts:
http://www.quiltartisannharwell.com/...pe_gallery.php

Here is a basic tutorial: http://home.howstuffworks.com/kaleid...uilt-block.htm of course careful selection of fabrics can make even this simple block fantastic.

http://www.quilterbydesign.com/lesso...eidoscope.html shows how to put a quilt together with different colorings.

and here is a full pattern to download free: http://www.robertkaufman.com/quiltin..._kaleidoscope/

good luck! be sure to show your quilt as you work on it, and especially when you get it done!

SharonC

Gosh---thanks for much for all the links, tips, etc. I am so excited that I am going to order the ruler and both Marti Mitchell's book and the One Block Wonder. I was on line and there were so many to choose from that I just KNEW you'd come through for me.
Thanks "sew" much.

Teacup

Thanks for sharing all those links. This is something I'm interested in trying in the future after I get my basic piecing skills mastered a bit better. I'm making a bookmark of this thread.

Up North

Check out this site for a super easy version!

http://howdyblogs.blogspot.com/2007/...h-stacked.html

Teacup

Thanks so much! The 4-patch version is beautiful and looks like a great way to get started with this technique. Oooohhhhh...wish I had time to play with it. But I know the earliest I can think about it will be January due to my schedule and the projects I need to finish for the holidays. I am going to check this one out!

Bevanger

not sure on this, so don't quote me, but didn't Rhonda do an epattern on the Kaliedoscopes?