A trip to Japan completely changed the way Teresa Duryea Wong understood quilting. That journey became the foundation for years of research, writing, and preserving quilt history. This week on Not Your Granny's Quilt Show, I'm joined by Teresa Duryea Wong of Third Floor Quilts, an award-winning quilt historian, author, and educator whose passion for quilting has led her around the world. Teresa is the author of seven books on quilting, textile history, and design, with an eighth book, Old Quilts Made New: Finishing Antique Designs with Free Motion Quilting, releasing in September 2026. Before becoming one of quilting's most respected writers, Teresa spent many years in the corporate world as a professional writer, traveling extensively for work. When it came time to choose the next chapter of her life, she followed two lifelong passions: quilting and writing. Teresa learned to sew as a child because making clothing was simply the practical thing to do. Quilting, however, came later. It was a close friend who introduced her to quilting as an adult, and she quickly fell in love with the craft. Living in the Houston area meant annual trips to the International Quilt Festival, where one style of quilting captured her imagination above all others: Japanese quilts. Their balance, precision, thoughtful composition, and beautiful fabrics inspired Teresa to learn more. In 2014, she traveled to Japan to study the country's rich quilting traditions firsthand. That journey deepened her appreciation for how quilting was embraced, adapted, and transformed within Japanese culture, eventually inspiring several of her books and years of research. In this episode, we talk about: Teresa's journey from corporate writer to quilt author The history and artistry of Japanese quilting Researching quilting traditions around the world Writing books about quilting and textile history Free motion quilting antique quilt designs Why understanding quilt history enriches modern quilting Her upcoming book, "Old Quilts Made New" Whether you love quilt history, free motion quilting, antique quilts, or Japanese textiles, Teresa's passion for preserving and sharing quilting knowledge shines through every story she tells. Learn more about Teresa, her books, lectures, and upcoming events: www.teresaduryeawong.com Follow Teresa on Instagram: @third_floor_quilts Subscribe for more conversations with quilt historians, artists, authors, and makers who are preserving and shaping the future of quilting. Episodes are recorded, edited and produced by Amanda Oros.Logo art by Myranda Mondry. Want to see more? You can find it here: Find Podcast Merch here! nygqs.printify.meFollow along on Instagram: Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Long-arming - https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompanySubscribe to YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshowSupport the show on Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshowWant to be on the show? Send us a message