Episode #297: Marianne Fons

Episode #297: Marianne Fons

Author: Abby Glassenberg September 15, 2025 Duration: 1:06:18
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about living the life of a quilter and writer with my guest Marianne Fons.   Marianne Fons co-hosted “Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting” on public television nationwide for many years, first with Liz Porter and later with daughter Mary Fons.   With Liz, she co-authored Quilter’s Complete Guide, one of the best selling quilting books of all time. Marianne Fons and Liz Porter were the 2019 inductees into the Quilters Hall of Fame.   Marianne served on the board of directors of Quilts of Valor Foundation for eight years. She helped establish the Iowa Quilt Museum in 2016, and in 2017 reopened The Iowa Theater, both in her hometown of Winterset, Iowa. In 2021, she was named Madison County Citizen of the Year.   Her literary life includes writing novels and assisting the Washington Island Literary Festival on Washington Island, Wisconsin, where she has a summer home. +++++ This episode is sponsored by Amy Barickman. Are you looking for a special gift for a friend? Take a look at Amy Barickman’s new book. Love You to Pieces is a heartwarming, whimsical, lyrical celebration of friendship featuring a charming cast of 40 vintage fabric characters set amidst a backdrop of 60 heirloom quilts. This book is perfect for makers and those who appreciate handmade treasures, as well as anyone nostalgic about the fabric pals that comforted them as children! Visit  amybarickman.com/loveyoutopieces to learn more and order today. +++++ To get the full show notes for this episode visit Craft Industry Alliance where you can learn more about becoming a member of our supportive trade association. Strengthen your creative business, stay up to date on industry news, and build connections with forward-thinking craft professionals. Join today.

Abby Glassenberg hosts Craft Industry Alliance, a space where the practical realities of running a creative business meet the deep personal satisfaction of making things by hand. This isn't just about inspiration; it's a grounded conversation for anyone who has turned a craft into a career or dreams of doing so. Each episode feels like a candid chat with a fellow maker, where Abby and her guests pull back the curtain on their processes, discuss the tools and materials they truly rely on, and navigate the unique challenges of entrepreneurship in the creative sphere. You'll hear specific, actionable recommendations-from sourcing sustainable materials and mastering a new technique to marketing your work and managing a studio's finances. The discussions are rooted in the real world, covering everything from the joys of the creative process to the logistics of wholesale trade shows and online sales. Tune into this podcast for an honest blend of education and community, designed to support your journey whether you're knitting, painting, pottery throwing, or designing textiles. It’s a resource that acknowledges creativity as both a passion and a profession, offering the kind of nuanced advice you’d normally only get from a trusted mentor within the tight-knit world of crafts.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Craft Industry Alliance
Podcast Episodes
Special Episode: The Fall of JOANN Fabrics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:17
In this special episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we are talking with a variety of industry players about the second bankruptcy of JOANN Fabrics including: Grace Dobush, our business reporter for our corpor…
Episode #281: Jason Zielke, Chief Product Officer at SVP Worldwide [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:43
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about sewing machines with my guest Jason Zielke. Jason Zielke is the Chief Product Officer for SVP Worldwide, where he leads global brand marketin…
Episode #280: Tracy Krauter of Splash Fabric [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:48
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about starting a fabric company with my guest Tracy Krauter. Tracy is the founder of Splash Fabric. Raising three boys, Tracy knew there had to be…
Episode #279: Shannon Downey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:51
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about craftivism with my guest Shannon Downey. Shannon is an artist, activist, craftivist, community builder, and general instigator. Her work move…
Episode #278: Jen Duffin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:10
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about weaving with my guest Jen Duffin. Jen is the designer and teacher behind Nova Mercury Design. Jen has been creating fiber art full-time since…
Episode #277: Anna Maria Parry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:56
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about designing fabric with my guest Anna Maria Parry. Having grown up in a creative home, Anna Maria Parry earned an honors BFA in drawing from th…
Episode #276: Sara Ingle of Boston Fiber Company [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:04
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about owning a yarn store with my guest Sara Ingle. Sara founded Boston Fiber Company, a local yarn store in Boston’s South End neighborhood, in 20…
Episode #275: Deborah Balmuth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:24
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we’re talking about publishing books with my guest Deborah Balmuth. Deborah retired from Storey Publishing on September 30 after 31 years with the company. She b…
Episode #274: Julie Fei-Fan Balzer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:37
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about making and teaching art with my guest Julie Fei-Fan Balzer. Based outside of Boston, Julie is a painter, printmaker, and collage artist who c…
Episode #273: Jenifer McShane [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:15
On today's episode of the Craft Industry Alliance podcast, we're talking about documentary filmmaking with my guest Jenifer McShane. Jenifer McShane is an independent filmmaker committed to using film to bridge understan…