A history of quilting you might not have known - with Teresa Duryea Wong · The Rev Craft Biz Podcast summary

Key takeaways

Quilt history is filled with rich narratives and often overlooked stories, particularly about Indigenous quilt-making practices.
Choosing between traditional and self-publishing comes with unique challenges; understanding your audience is crucial for success.
Modern quilting is experiencing a surge in skill and craftsmanship, with continued innovation represented at competitions like QuiltCon.
Embracing the community aspect of quilting fosters creativity and emotional connections, encouraging makers to express their individuality in their work.

Summary

Understanding Quilt History

In this episode, Teresa Duryea Wong discusses her passion for quilt history and the many fascinating stories behind quilting in different cultures. She emphasizes the importance of debunking myths surrounding quilt history, especially concerning Indigenous quilt making. Wong shares her extensive research on Native American quilt-making practices, shedding light on the historical context, particularly the use of forced labor in boarding schools where young girls were made to quilt under harsh conditions.

Book Publishing Journey

The podcast dives into the journey of publishing books within the quilt community. Wong shares her experiences with both traditional and self-publishing routes, outlining the pros and cons of each method. She highlights the challenges authors face, such as upfront costs and distribution, while also appreciating the artistic quality that publishers can bring to a finished product. Wong encourages aspiring authors to consider their audience and the best path for sharing their craft.

Modern vs Traditional Quilting

Teresa and Sam delve into the differences and intersections between modern quilting and traditional quilting. They discuss the evolution of skill levels in the modern quilting community, noting that innovation and creative techniques are increasingly seen in competitive environments like QuiltCon. Both guests appreciate the craftsmanship evident in quilts from both realms and recognize the blurred lines between modern and traditional styles as the quilting community grows.

The Importance of Art and Community in Quilting

The conversation highlights the significance of community in quilting, with discussions about the emotional connections that quilts create. Wong shares insights on how quilts embody personal stories and lessons and emphasizes the need for makers to infuse their passion into their work. The podcast underscores the value of being part of quilting guilds, supporting one another, and nurturing the tradition of storytelling through fabric.

Show notes

#07: Teresa Duryea Wong talks about what she's learned doing the research for her many books that cover cotton and cloth production, and the hidden history of who sewed quilts for sale. We talk about traditional book publishing vs self publishing, and bringing your best ever game to making a quilt for competition.

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SHOW NOTES

Teresa Duryea Wong Website

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/third_floor_quilts/

Most recent book - https://teresaduryeawong.com/2023/01/01/sewing-survival-native-american-quilts-from-1880-2022/?v=47e5dceea252.

To Shop: https://teresaduryeawong.com/shop/?v=47e5dceea252

Other Books: https://teresaduryeawong.com/my-books/?v=47e5dceea252

* Magic & Memories: 45 Years of International Quilt Festival

* Japanese Contemporary Quilts and Quilters

* Cotton & Indigo from Japan

Red and White Quilt display https://folkartmuseum.org/exhibitions/infinite-variety-three-centuries-of-red-and-white-quilts/

Kristin La Flamme https://www.instagram.com/kristinlaflamme/

Warm and Natural - https://warmcompany.com/?portfolio=warmnatural