Our final Storyteller theme of 2025 is Community, which really gets to the heart of what we're building at Twig + Tale - a welcoming place for makers to gather and share creative ideas. While sewing as a solitary activity can be deeply fulfilling, having a community of other makers who just get it adds an extra dimension to the entire experience.
2025 marked our fourth year hosting the Storyteller community, and as always, so much inspiration emerged from this group. To cap off the year, the Storytellers posted surprise parcels of scrappy fabric treasure to one another, then incorporated those thoughtful gifts into pocket-themed projects.
As ever, the Storytellers interpreted the theme in wonderfully varied ways, from garments with statement pockets, to useful bags and pouches of various shapes and sizes. We even explored the idea of pockets of time, and how important it is to find those moments to fit some stitching into our days, even just for a few minutes.
And so, without further ado, here's a collection of "pocket projects" created by our 2025 Storyteller team.
~Angela xx
What features do we look for in pockets? They should be functional - deep enough to carry all the essentials. They should be plentiful. Aaaand... they should be beautiful. Whether it's a whimsical patch pocket on full display, or a beautiful hidden detail like a pocket bag made with favourite fabric, pockets are the perfect way to add personality to your makes.
Above, clockwise from top left: Naomi created quilted Cloud Pockets for a very special vest; patch pockets in a colourful floral print shine on Miriam's black Wildflower Pinafore/Scenic Top mashup; Katherine used special fabric scraps to create a Valley Pocket for her Shore Pants; Lisa used her floral scrap exchange fabric to create special pockets for her Fernway Culottes.
Long distance fruit pocket friends... When Mei and Ayuta received their scrap exchange parcels, they were both inspired to create fruit pockets - how cool is that! Ayuta added an interior kiwi pocket on a Grove Coat (left) and Mei created a watermelon pocket for her Coastal Shorts (right). This is such a great reminder to include fun details when sewing clothing - what a way to brighten up one's wardrobe!
Clockwise from top left: Using the Valley Pocket design as a base, Mieke added loops so that this beautiful pocket can be worn on a belt with any outfit; Deborah made this sweet little Pebble Pocket Doll, who tucks into her own leaf blanket pocket; Jesara added a stunning quilted panel to a zippered pouch from the Gifting eBook; Carol created a collection of zippered pouches featuring landscapes from her travels, each one a little work of art.
Clockwise from top left: Janna made a drawstring project bag that features a charming, spotty Toadstool Pocket; Margaret made an entire collection of pockets - a tool roll from the Making eBook for organising her knitting needles; an embroidered initial, using the Woodland Alphabet Embroidery, gives Carol's wee vest a custom look; Kristin's Foraging Satchel has a sweet floral fabric for lining, and hardware cleverly upcycled from old dungarees.
Clockwise from top left: Fanny's patchwork drawstring project bag is the perfect size for toting a sock knitting project; Gabrielle created a beautiful leather tool roll for storing sewing tools; Megan's striking tie-top gift bags feature bold prints; Melanie created a charming appliquéd drawstring bag especially for her daughter's dance shoes and leotard. All patterns from the eBook collection.
Clockwise from top left: Carol used the Lorien Skirt pocket to create a creative tie-on Hobbit-themed pocket for storing sewing supplies; the flap of a Hip Pouch is the perfect way to showcase a small piece of extra-special fabric, like Kirsty's fox pouch; a busy mum with only short "pockets" of time to sew, Jessica created a leaf mobile by sizing down the gum leaves from the Australian Leaf Blanket collection; Naomi used appliqué and stitching to reproduce memories of a favourite, peaceful location, creating a stunning pocket for her tote bag.
If you're looking for a creative community where you can chat about sewing, share your projects, and find inspiration, be sure to join us in the Twig + Tale Treehouse, our private online community.
Read all the past Storyteller articles here.
