Craft Industry Alliance Episode #298: 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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Humble Beginnings Sparked A Sewing Empire
- Marianne Fons and Liz Porter met in a local quilt class and quickly formed a club that organized shows and teaching.
- They 'faked it till they made it' by co-teaching when neither felt fully expert but learned on the job.
Turn Teaching Into A Business
- Seek revenue from your skills early; Marianne and Liz taught classes to fund family needs and grow their business.
- Split responsibilities and stay accountable to a partner to scale faster and avoid burnout.
A Typed Pitch Led To A Best-Selling Book
- Marianne mailed a typed proposal with photos to a small publisher and landed a book contract for quilted vests in 1982.
- That $7 book sold about 10,000 copies and launched further publishing opportunities.
