I want to make a kaleidoscope type quilt and I'd like to know the difference between OBW and Stack and Whack? Do they yield the same type block? Which is easier to do?

OBW you cut triangles to sew together forming hexagon blocks. Now there are patterns that incorporate cubes in some quilts, but the hexagon block is pretty consistent. Now, they have you sew the blocks together in rows, instead of using Y or inset seams to sew the hexagons together.

Stack and whack may have you cut square blocks, and these blocks are cut diagonally and each block only has 4 pieces. There are some with 6-8 pieces, usually you add corner pieces to square up these blocks.
There are sooooo many variations, depending on the patterns you choose.

I think the level of difficulty is about the same with both methods. Learning what a repeat is, lining them up, and to cut them very accurately are the biggest things to learn.

I prefer OBW's, but it is soley due to liking that style of quilt and I like sewing the blocks in strips versus making individual blocks :D:D:D

I think doing either of these blocks would be easier over all than the quilt in your avatar :D:D:D

I haven't done OBW but I have done stack n whack. I enjoyed making the blocks, thought it was fun and easy. The cutting is not hard either.

I love stack and whack you never know what u will get, but I am going to try OBW.

I've tried both types and, have to admit, I liked the 6-piece stack n'whack the best because the triangle pieces added to make the block square give some separation to each kaleidescope.

Fabric choice is VERY important, especially with the OBW. My OBWs looked very much alike, when positioned on the design wall, even though I was very careful to follow the directions in the book on what type of fabric pattern to get. (I'm at work right now, otherwise I'd include a picture.) I've decided to turn my OBW into a S'nW.

A what?

I have not made a OBW, but have done a couple S&W. After seeing photo's of OBW, I am thinking the concept is the same, except the S&W ends up with seperate blocks, which I like, and the OBW has nothing seperating the blocks. Some of them are beautiful, but seem rather busy for my taste. Google Bethany Reynolds S&W. I have her 1st book. You will see the differnce after going to her site, and looking at some of the lovely OBW here on the board.

S'nW = Stack 'N Whack shorthand. Sorry about that.