Tea cosies or cozies are covers for teapots, and can be made from fabric, such as felt or cotton but more often they are knitted or crocheted, a great idea to keep your tea warmer for longer.
Knitted tea cosies tend to have matching egg cosies while the fabric cosies can come in sets including tablecloths, oven gloves, aprons and tea towels.
The most popular knitted tea cosy in Britian is the type which resembles a knitted hat and some also sport the bobble on top. To quote Billy Connolly, if a man is left alone in a room with a tea cosy, and he does not attempt to wear it on his head, he should not be trusted.
http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/vintage-bestway-b-knitting-crochet-pattern-tea-cosy-52193077.htm
Tea was introduced into Britian in the 1660's, but the first use of the cosy was in 1867. The Duchess of Bedford who established the fashion of afternoon tea in the 1840's probably made the tea cosy popular in the late 1880's. Afternoon tea was taken betwwen 3-5pm and a typical tea consisted of various delicate sandwiches such as cucumber,egg and cress, ham and salmon paste, clotted cream scones, victoria sponge, Battenburg and of course a teapot of tea. Afternoon tea was a time for news, gossip networking etc and of course the tea would get cold and that is when the tea cosy probably caught on.,
http://uk.ebid.net/for-sale/vintage-bestway-b-knitting-crochet-pattern-tea-cosy-52193090.htm
Today handmade items are making a comeback and the tea cosy is a firm favourite not only is it practical but it can look very decorative. At this time of the year charity organizations who hold Xmas bazaars, fetes etc, bring & buy sales make these items along with many other hand made craft items to raise money for worthy causes.
Gorgeous quirky post . I agreecwith Billy ! Now following xx Ava
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