Craft Industry Alliance Episode #297: Marianne Fons
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Sep 15, 2025 In this conversation, Marianne Fons, a celebrated quilter and writer known for co-hosting “Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting,” shares her remarkable journey in the quilting world. She discusses the evolution of quilting as a craft and its transformative impact on women's lives. Marianne emphasizes the importance of community and friendship in crafting, and reflects on her roles in the Quilts of Valor initiative and the Iowa Quilt Museum. Listeners also hear about her literary adventures and the deep connections that handmade crafts foster.
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Mary Fons Grew From Novice To Co-Host
- After the sale Marianne continued TV and later co-hosted with her daughter Mary, who started as a novice and grew into an equal partner.
- Viewer feedback ranged from cruel to supportive as Mary developed on-air skills.
Magazines Were The Pre-Internet Network
- Quilter's Newsletter acted as the pre-internet hub for quilt news, shows, and community listings.
- Losing such centralized platforms created a gap that digital tools later filled differently.
Joining Quilts Of Valor Became National Service
- Marianne learned about Quilts of Valor, helped publicize it, then served eight years on its board as it grew massively.
- She estimates recorded awards exceed 400,000 quilts, representing substantial volunteer time and material value.
