This former Home Economics teacher from the beautiful Minnesota Lakes Country has enjoyed working with textiles since she was a little girl. After developing the popular notion, Clearly Perfect Angles, Kari’s New Leaf Stitches quilt-design company prospered to the point where she was able to resign her teaching position and pursue her passion full-time. Her work has been featured on the covers of several leading quilt magazines in the U.S. and France.

Kari has spoken to groups as well as taught classes across the country and at International Quilt Market. A few of the most common evaluations given by Kari’s students:

“The most helpful teacher I’ve ever had.”

“Excellent teacher!”

“Really fun – good and interesting techniques.”

“Thrilled to have a project that can be finished in one day.”

Her book, Just around the Corner, Quilts with Easy Mitered Borders, was published in 2011. (See Shirley Swenson to preview a copy of this wonderful book with many Spring-inspired quilts.) Kari is best known for her technique of an easy mitered-frame border (and variations thereof) and the very popular Clearly Perfect Angles (CPA) stitching template. With the CPA, you can sew 45 degree angles accurately and efficiently without marking your fabric. For Kari’s workshops, the CPA template is optional, but recommended.

We can preorder the CPA template for a reduced price of $7 (no shipping and no tax). Retail price is $10. Contact Shirley Swenson to preorder and prepay the Clearly Perfect Angles notion. You can see videos of the CPA in use at www.newleafstitches.com, as well as peruse Kari’s available patterns.

Full-Day Workshop, “County Fair” (featuring Clearly! They’re Perfect Angles): Friday, April 20, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Grace Church (quilt size: 40” x 40”). Limit: 20 students. Cost: $35 for Wiltwyck members ($40 for non-members), includes $7 pattern.

The excitement of little children and old friends. Great food and twirling rides. Flowers and summer warmth….it’s the County Fair! If you want a little change of pace… try this pattern. You may even win a blue ribbon.

This pattern is unique because it was developed to showcase fun and different ways to work with angles. The class relies heavily on the Clearly Perfect Angles notion (however, can be done without….time will be needed for those people to draw lines).

Cutting directions: County Fair Clas Cutting

Supply list: County Fair class yardage

“The Sprouting and Growth of New Leaf Stitches” Lecture and Trunk Show: Saturday, April 21, at Grace Church.

This lecture and trunk show gives a peek into Kari’s business as she tells the story of New Leaf Stitches. From the planting and sprouting of her ideas to the full bloom of her business, you will enjoy the journey her quilts take you on. She will share stories about writing her first quilt book, designing patterns, developing an innovative notion and the excitement of seeing her work on the covers of magazines! There will also be a glimpse of what’s ahead for New Leaf Stitches.

Half-Day “Beauty Bright” Workshop: Saturday, April 21, at Grace Church

(quilt size: 16” x 16”). Limit: 20 students. Cost: $25 for Wiltwyck members ($30 for non-members), includes $7 pattern.

Starry Night, Beauty Bright! The stars shine on this quilt just right.

This three-hour workshop features Kari’s easy mitered border technique with two different colors for the full border. The pattern makes three sizes: 16”, 32”, and 48”.

Beauty Bright. Cutting Directions

Beauty Bright 16 inch class info

Full-Day First Dutchess Quilters “Our Town – An M&M Mystery” Workshop: Thursday, April 19.

Inspired by the beauty of a small Minnesota town, you will find this unique quilt a pleasure to sew and display. Stroll along with the fun, easy steps to decipher the clues and finish this M&M (Manageable Mystery) size quilt. New and fun techniques make solving this mystery intriguing. This is Kari’s most requested class.

Contact Barbara Heymann-Diaz at 845-486-1307 or ddiaz5@hvc.rr.com about fees and availability for this class.