two for tea

1.06.2010

I have a calculated and deliberate strategy for determining which project I will take on next. It goes something like this: A friend will say to me, "I decided that you should make tea cozies because I can't find any cute ones," and then I reply,

"Okay. Would you like one lump or two with that?"



And now I'm kind of obsessed with them. Patchwork and quilting on a small(er) scale is so much fun.

And it's way less commitment than making an entire quilt. Plus, I got to dig into my new Hope Valley stash, which is, um, gorgeous.

I never drank hot tea as a youngster. My mom is from the South and so I spent my youth drinking sweet tea. Which is, for those of you who may be unfamiliar with it, iced tea, with plenty of sugar. I didn't discover hot tea until I lived in New York and we'd go to a local grocer to pick up lovely hot teas, which we would leisurely sip on Sunday mornings, accompanied by fresh pastries and followed by a peaceful walk through Central Park. Sigh.





Which reminds me, that was the year we brought Humphrey home. When he was super tiny, before he had all his vaccinations, I would carry him around in a backpack so I could socialize him (hint: the best way to meet people in New York, or anywhere, probably, is to have a cute puppy).

Once an older gentleman approached me and asked if I was carrying a monkey. I still laugh when I think about it.

Humphrey was an adolescent in this photo, still growing into those ginormous paws and ears. He's about 60 pounds now, a gentle giant who doesn't realize that he's a big dog. He still tries to climb into the luggage if we're packing for a trip.

We would impress the crowds at the park because we would pack a carton of fruit and Humphrey would eat it right off the fork. We don't spoil our dogs, nope.

All this reminiscing and tea talk makes me want to brew some tea and watch some of my favorite Britcoms. Yes, I could really go for a waterside supper and riparian entertainment right about now...



And to make more tea cozies, of course.

UPDATE: you can now find these tea cozies in my shop!

20 comments:

  1. Wow these are so lovely! I always admire your work.

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  2. Hi Kim ~ I just recently started following your blog. Your work is fabulous!!! These tea cozies make me want to take the day off work and spend it with my sewing machine! :o)

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  3. Totally tittlating tea cozies. I've watched Hyacinth Bucket for years and her antics continue to crack me up.

    Carolyn

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  4. Adorable tea cozies! I'd have no use for one, as I'm a Southern Sweet Tea only sort of girl :)

    Where do you get your labels? They're adorable! I'm in the market for some good ones for my work but can't find any that are both good quality and don't cost an arm and a leg

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  5. so what exactly do tea cozies go on? a tea pot? a tea kettle? they're super cute, but we northern girls could use some schooling ;)

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  6. I love the work you do. The colors the style all of it. Everything is so pleasant to look at. Can't wait to finish cleaning my room so I can get back to sewing. You've re-inspired me!!

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  7. Thanks all! To answer a couple of questions:

    Cisa - the labels are from ClothingLabels4U.com

    Hester - tea cozies are for your teapot :)

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  8. These are so pretty! I'm actually making a tea cozy for myself today! I made two as gifts this season. Maybe I'll make mine patchwork as well! :)

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  9. wow this is wonderful, I just stumbled upon you blog and my mouth is dropped in AWE!!! you are amazing!!

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  10. Are these coming soon on your Etsy account? Please? Pretty please?

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  11. Love your tea cozies so much! I've been wanting to make some for myself and you've just inspired me to move that to the top of my to do list! Thanks!

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  12. This is actually my next project. My teapot has a weird handle or I would jsut buy one of yours. They are so cute!.

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  13. OH I love your tea cozies! Years ago I was given one for my coffee service but it was eaten by my bunny... I do believe I see a new project on the horizon! Well, once we move. ha ha

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  14. Love them! I am sending your post to everyone I know...and twitter..as this is the perfect project for us "wannabe quilters" thank you! smiles.

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  15. This is soooo cute! Thanks for sharing....
    Marguerite

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  16. These are darling! I love the colors in both, your friend is very lucky ;) I love hot tea but had never heard of a tea cozy before. After seeing your cute project I had to wiki it to find out exactly what it was used for on the tea pot, lol. Now I might just have to try making one myself!

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  17. wonderful!!!
    Your style and colour make something as 'old' as a teacozy fresh and beautiful! I love them. I may consider drinking tea.

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  18. hello! I am keen on your beautiful blog!
    I hope that makes you glad to know that I have nominated for "The Sunshine Blog Award
    If you want to go to write a peek here is my post:
    http://marshmellowbyba.blogspot.com/2010/02/sunshine-blog-award.html

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  19. so this may very well be the cutest craft blog i've EVER SEEN. love it! your creations are tdf!!!

    cheers!

    ~emily bilbrey

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  20. These tea cozies make me want to take the day off work and spend it with my sewing machine! :
    home jobs without registration

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