Originally published on November 22nd @ quiltblock.tumblr.com
I’m just back from another wonderful trip to Iowa. And between the road trips to see family and the dirt road trips to check in on the farm, I made a special effort to visit one of my favorite small towns - Winterset, in Madison County - because some worthwhile things are happening there. Winterest is known for quite a few things, most notably its covered bridges. But it is now also home to the lovely and delightful Iowa Quilt Museum (IQM).
So, you can imagine my elation to enter the IQM and find Marianne Fons herself giving a presentation to the local antique guild! Yes, The Marianne Fons: co-founder of Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting, and co-host of the associated show, with her writer/quilter/designer-daughter, Mary Fons!
Marianne Fons & I chatting inside the exhibit, “Stargazing: American Star Quilts,” on display now through January 24, 2017, at the Iowa Quilt Museum, in Winterset.
Marianne (who is IQM’s board President and who, it should also be noted, co-owned the brick and mortar quilt shop in Winterset, Fons & Porter Quilting, for years before Piece Works Quilt Shop took ownership) graciously invited me to join the group as she discussed the development efforts behind the museum and showcased a number of local quilts. Later, she was even kind enough to field my fandom and general questions about her life and current projects - which I greatly appreciated. Thank you again Marianne.
What struck me most from our thoughtful visit together, was how quickly our conversation pivoted toward the creative process of storytelling, and eventually to the meaning and metaphors of quilts and quilt-making. So, naturally, given the thread of this blog, I found myself wanting of more time with her!
...Stay tuned folks!
One final note - a travel tip: Upon departure from Winterset, be sure to grab a cup of coffee and slice of pie @ Northside Cafe, before making your final pilgrimage to one of the county’s six remaining covered bridges. - It’s worth it.
