tea cosies

Holly gave me this awesome craft book for Christmas. State of Craft, edited by Victoria Woodcock, is full of interviews and bios of really inspirational crafters like Tatty Devine and Urban Cross Stitch. The accompanying craft projects are interesting, quirky and cool. I loved the look of the Over-The-Top Tea Cosies by Teacakes and 78s', with their fun, oversized pompoms on top, so I thought I'd give them a go. I love knitting.... you can interact with people, talk, watch movies and tv without having to focus too much on what you are doing. It's also a portable craft that you can take with you wherever you go. 

The pattern is easy to follow and it doesn't take long to whip one up!
The cosy is knitted in knit-1, purl-1 rib.

Using 5 mm knitting needles, cast on 40 stitches with double-knitting wool. 
K1, p1 to the end of each row (finishing with a purl stitch) until work measures 15 cm.

Decrease to shape the top. 
Row 1: *Knit 2 tog* repeat 'til the end of row (20 sts remain).

Row 2: Knit to end of row.

Row 3: *Knit 2 tog* repeat 'til the end of row (10 sts remain).

Row 4: Knit to end of row.

Row 5: *Knit 2 tog* repeat 'til the end of row (5 sts remain).

Cast off the remaining 5 stitches.

Repeat for other side.

Sew sides up leaving gaps for the handle and spout. I used my tea pot to work out where they go.

Make a GIANT pompom (use 13-15 cm diameter cardboard circles) and sew securely on the top. Gorgeous!!!

So now my new favourite thing to do is to knit tea cosies. They are simple to make and look stunning. Get out the knitting needles and have a go. In the words of Victoria Woodcock "Now go forth and make!"