Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Vintage English Tea Cozy

This little hand-crafted piece of history is a vintage English Tea Cozy. Purchased years ago at a 'Boot Sale', the English version of a yard sale, it has traveled across the pond and is now put to good use. By definition, a tea cozy is a padded cover placed over a teapot to keep the tea piping hot. English tea cozies have been used since 1867. It is noted that most tea cozies were made at home by women. Their leisure time would be spent working on cozies, with embroidery such as this one, or applique, crochet, knit, lace, or patchwork. Directions for making cozies were often published in Victorian magazines, and still are today.

5 comments:

Linda Jennings said...

I am enjoying your tour of tea cozies. I have picked up many fun tea things at boot sales over the years. I think it is about time to travel in search of boot sales. Don't you agree?

Comfrey Cottages said...

fun and what a very pretty find! been tied up with family things including an adoption :), so just getting caught up here. always so nice to find a beautiful new post by you! thanks for sharing :)
herbal and honey hugs to you!

Martha said...

Tea cozies are not only practical but add pretty to the table as well.

Marilyn Miller said...

A very pretty one too!

parTea lady said...

That is a very pretty cozy with the scalloped edge and lovely embroidery. I like the teapot too.