Our final Storyteller theme of the year is Connection, the perfect way to cap off a year of sewing in community.
One of my absolute favourite things about coordinating the Storytellers team is seeing the connections that form. The new friendships between people who live on opposite sides of the world, brought together by a shared interest in sewing Twig + Tale patterns. The bubbling of creativity and inspiration, one idea sparking another. The growth in a sewist's journey - learning new skills, trying new things. The generous sharing of experience and knowledge, encouragement and enthusiasm.
To end the year, we decided to all sew the same simple pattern - a drawstring project bag (part of the soon to release eBook Making - 6 sewing accessories to stitch). We're all connected by sewing the same pattern, interpreted in our own unique ways.
To make the experience even more special, many participated in a scrap exchange, posting wee parcels of fabric and notions to sewing friends. If you look carefully, you may be able to recognise fabrics from one Storyteller's project incorporated into another person's drawstring bag! Truly the icing on the cake of a wonderful year.
~Angela xx
Here are the Storytellers' drawstring project bags - each one uniquely creative - as well as some reflections on what Connection means in our sewing lives.
"These past few months I have learned to connect more with the projects I have chosen: to pay more attention to the materials I use and how the garment is constructed. I’ve learned that it’s not a race to complete as many projects as possible but rather take the time and put in the quality that the project deserves.
I have made new friends because we have connected with our common interest in sewing. I love that I have people that I can discuss fabric choices and patterns with. Those kind of connections are something that I haven’t had since I was a kid in school."
~Jen Martin
"Being a Storyteller has given me confidence to share my sewing in my day to day life, whether that is sharing photos of what I am making or giving gifts that I have sewn. I’ve had all sorts of wonderful conversations with people in my work, church or school groups whose parent sews, they have tried sewing or they would love to learn.
I take my embroidery to swimming lessons and to play centre parties so I can be social but do something, and can be a great conversation point. The mother of another child at swimming is now making friendship bracelets. She sits next to me and knots away while I embroider. I really like these connections becoming real life ones. I value what we have shared with each other in this group, seeing the people and the stories behind each project."
~Melanie Wallace
"I never thought I would create an Instagram for my sewing but I made one just so I could apply to be a Storyteller and I am so glad that I did. I have talked to so many new people and have learned so much from everyone and been so inspired!!
I’m one who pretty much only sews by myself, except for the rare occasion where I try to teach someone how to sew. Having a sewing community, even if it is only online, has been just wonderful.
Even though I sew alone, I always find ways to connect with others in my life through sewing. Whether it be gifting my nieces and nephews a stuffed animal, a little outfit, or gifting my close friends leaf satchels. I love how special it is to gift something that has been made with so much love and I know the people I gift things to appreciate it as well!"
~Esther Wise
"Connections are the main reason for my sewing! I have my 5 children and soon 11 grandchildren spread in different parts of the world and sewing is my love language to them 💕. I knit and sew all my love and prayers into the clothing and other items for my growing family."
~Tina Hofmann
"I find sewing to be quite solitary. It’s something I do alone, at home, once my kids have gone to bed. I find myself seeking out other ways to connect through it — like this Storytellers team or pattern testing.
Sewing has also helped with connection to my body how it is. The other day I put on a RTW shirt I’ve had since before I started sewing. It is waaaaay too short. I used to think it fit. (And I haven’t gotten any taller!) It’s so nice to have clothes that are designed to fit the body I have, not some average of measurements."
~Jesara Sinclair
"Growing up, stitching was something the women in my family did - so I sat with my mother, grandmother and great grandmother and learnt to sew and knit. There were always scraps for practising and people to help when things didn't go to plan. As we stitched, we chatted about not just our makes but life in general - stitching brought about connection.
But over the years for me it became more of a solitary activity and it seemed a shame that the opportunity for learning and sharing was lost and the connection to others that was reinforced by making together petered out.
During Covid I managed a sewing group providing ppa to local organisations when it couldn’t be purchased, and it was delightful seeing connections within the community develop. Those that had materials and skills to share and those who wanted to learn so they could help. There was such a desire to be involved and have a common purpose to get us through a difficult time. It made me realise how important stitching was to our general well being as well as that need to do our part that that it can satisfy.
I have therefore since then sought to share making with others - albeit often through online forums and groups. I have learnt that showing a make that brings you joy can bring delight and inspiration to others.
This year as a Storyteller has passed too quickly. I love the connections it has helped me develop within the making community. The development of the connections to other makers has been like the weaving of a spider’s web- their projects and experiences has set me spinning a new line of thread for myself and all the lines interlace so that themes from several makers come together to become the make I go on to tackle. I feel I have a new sewing family for which I am grateful."
~Carol Kite
Read more articles from the Twig + Tale Storytellers here.
