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In July, we celebrate our 20th anniversary. Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting’s first issue published in July/August 1999. (Though was actually named For the Love of Quilting, at that point!)

Originally titled For the Love of Quilting, the first issue was published in July/August 1999. — Originally titled *For the Love of Quilting*, the first issue was published in July/August 1999.

There may be fewer quilted vests than when we started, but the Love of Quilting continues!

Marianne Fons and Liz Porter built a legacy of quilting. They both semi-retired after selling the business in 2006, and having taught, worked, and quilted together for more than 25 years.

To kick off our 20th anniversary year, we checked in with those two, to see what they’re up to.

Marianne Fons

Marianne is not one to sit still! In addition to civic engagement in Winterset, Iowa, and writing a novel, Marianne is still engaged with quilt-ish activities. Along with helping found the Iowa Quilt Museum in Winterset, Marianne has remained active with the Quilts of Valor™ Foundation. After stepping down from the QOVF Board of Directors, she was made Member Emeritus, a great honor.

Valiant Eagle was Marianne’s first Quilt of Valor™. — *Valiant Eagle* was Marianne’s first Quilt of Valor™.

The first Quilt of Valor™ Marianne awarded was Valiant Eagle. The act of awarding that quilt clinched her commitment to the Quilts of Valor™ cause.

Liz Porter

After the sale of the business, Liz Porter retired to Texas, and for nearly a year afterward, she basically quit quilting. It had been her job for so long, she needed a break.

But the love of quilting never quite goes away. It was the social aspect that lured her back in. She invited a group of friends over for supper, followed by sewing, and it became a Wednesday night tradition.

Friendship Rings was one of Liz’s favorite quilt swap experiences. — *Friendship Rings* was one of Liz’s favorite quilt swap experiences.

The smaller group of friends sparked Liz’s participation in quilting swaps. Liz remembers the most successful swap being a 1930’s fabric strip swap, which resulted in her quilt Friendship Rings.

Watch for expanded versions of this article in the September/October 2019 issue of Love of Quilting, available in July 2019!

To kick off the celebration, for this month only, you can download Valiant Eagle and Friendship Rings patterns FREE!

Stay inspired all year long!