tea cosy

During my lunch break I began my daily routine of munching on my mozzarella and sun dried tomato sandwich whilst browsing the news on the web. Usually the Daily Mail is first on my view list. Wait, before you judge me so harshly- I only look at the gossip section but never read the article in full-mmm not sure this is much of a defense, perhaps I'll go with my dads justification which is that if you buy both a left and right wing paper, you get a healthy insight into both sides of the debate. Mmmm, I'm still not convinced! 


Second is the BBC where I read about headlining news and then have a browse of the Science/Environment section (I love this category so much, it takes me away from the reality of the ever depressing national news-death, genocide, recession, etc). Don't get me wrong its not always good news (take the many stories about global warning or the demise of the tropics for instance) but most of it is upbeat and interesting enough to avoid feeling so shite after reviewing the worlds current affairs!


Third, but certainly not least is my favourite- The Guardian online. What I love most about this news site is the way in which a story is featured and running alongside the column is a list of related stories, so if for example you don't quite understand the beginning of a big story the Guardian helpfully takes you right back to the first article published by them on the matter- how thoughtful.


It was only on this particular occasion that I notice the 'Craft' section. My heart started pounding and I couldn't seem to get my cursor over this delightful word quick enough. Click Click Click!! Finally in! 


Now I thought that the number of craft articles related to sewing were rather limit, but I did appreciate that not all craft is related to fabric (see article 'Taxidermy my dad and me' accompanied to the right by a 'Taxidermy for beginners' video- its quite interesting actually!), so I wasn't too peeved.


I did happen to come across a lovely little article by the wonderfully talented Lisa Stickley on how to make your own tea cosy. The pre-made promo shot was enough to inspire me to make one myself. To my delight, the article featured a set of instructions drafted by Lisa herself (check the top of the article for the link).

The instructions are so easy to use and even though I am trying to learn how to deal with detailed and complicated patterns, it is important for me (and anyone who loves to sew) to take on projects for pure fun, which is exactly what this is. I love the simplicity of this project and feel satisfied that I was able to complete this to a good standard in a short time. Lovely stuff!

     

 

I decided to use a crochet motif a friend made for me to attach to the cosy for detail.

I also picked my favourite teapot and best charity find to model the cosy around;

my Ruby Wedding teapot!!

Tip: When drafting your semi circle, go freehand first and then use a compass to make the top as accurately round as possible, then simply use a ruler to make the edges straight.

 

As you can see I didn't draw my semi-circle onto paper first- so impatient!

Tip: If when stuffing the cosy with lining and wadding, the lining is too big, don't be scared to sew the lining again reducing its size. Only this time inside the original sewing line. Then simply trim off the excess. 

Tip: No doubt this is a very fast project, but if you want to reduce the time even further, hem the bottom with ribbon instead of making your own (mwah ha ha ha ha I'm so sneaky!). I also used the same ribbon for the loop at the top. Take that extra sewing!

When sewing, take care to separate the lining- I got a quarter of the way round before realising I had sewn them together. D'oh

Finished!

Have a go yourself, and tell me how it went. If you are new to sewing and need some tips, don't forget that the article has more detailed step by step instructions. If you're still stuck  then I'll be happy to try and assist you the best I can-promise!


-Mama Wolf
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