About Us

From book author & quilt instructor to notion & pattern developer, Kari's passion for quilting is obvious.  Some of the most loved notions, including the Clearly Perfect Angles and Clearly Perfect Slotted Trimmers, have been developed by Kari. She has also created a top selling fabric line for Hoffman California Fabrics. Kari has helped design Aurifil Thread and has been a Creative Grids Ruler designer. Her patterns, books and notions can be found in quilt stores around the world.  Her work can also be found in many leading quilt magazines including covers in the US and France.

In 2019 Kari was chosen as one of the "100 People You Should Know" in the quilt industry by American Quilt Retailer. She is pleased to have been a host on PBS television’s Love of Quilting, nominated as “Best Teacher/Instructor”, “Best Quilt Book Author” and was proud BERNINA Ambassador for 10 years.

Now New Leaf Stitches is family-owned and operated. Her son (Brandon) and daughter in-law (Liz) took over the day-to-day operations allowing Kari to gradually step into retirement. While she’s no longer involved in the daily hustle, Kari continues to inspire the brand with her creativity, innovation, and passion for making quilting more enjoyable for everyone.

Kari and her husband have lived in the beautiful Minnesota lakes country their entire lives.  They are now enjoying their grown sons' families, including SIX granddaughters, plus a grandson born in 2020.

Brandon and Liz live in Minnesota, where they’re raising their four amazing kids who keep life full and busy. Between family adventures and everyday chaos, there's never a dull moment in their household!