It Was A Cozy Sunday...

Repaired Tea Cozy

I managed to get a little bit accomplished yesterday, and still found time to put my feet up and relax. This little tea cozy wasn't difficult, and I enjoyed recovering the original, lined padding.

It was originally created by a loved one, so I wanted to keep as much of the original intact as possible. I also didn't want my part to be acknowledged, so I didn't sew one of my usual Brynwood labels to the exterior. (Instead, I wrote a blessing onto the stabilized back of the floral fabric. It will only be found if it's necessary to replace this cover.)

Preserved Lining Fabric

I applied the cover fabric in the same manner as the original, hand sewing it in place once I created it. I'm quite happy with the way it turned out, and I think it will be used for many more years to come.

Hickory Syrup Cooling Off

The first thing I actually did yesterday was make more hickory syrup. I began around 8:30 in the morning, and had it bottled and cooling by 1:00 pm. The whole house smelled of this fragrant syrup the rest of the day.

The sun was out and the temps were in the high 40's all weekend, so I did spend time outside all weekend with Tag and Bella. They're loving this nice weather, too, so I couldn't keep them inside. I had them running and retrieving, and they just hung around while I raked the driveway side of the yard, so we all slept well at the end of the day.

I already have a list going for this week. I put quite a bit of fabric in my shop last week, but I have more to do. I also have items I want to donate, as well as yarn to package up to send to Tammy in Virginia and Krisann in Florida. I'm sure if they don't use it, they'll share it with someone who will.

Time just seems to fly. This is already Easter week, and there's so much I want to get done this month. I'm gonna be a busy grandma! What's on your "to do" list?

On Deck - Tea Cozy Repair...

Well-loved Tea Cozy

While the sun has been shining, I've been photographing and listing new fabrics in my shop. Later yesterday, I was working on my "Stitch On!" wool work piece that I showed you yesterday. When I finish that (today), this is next on my list...a sweet, well-loved tea cozy in need of repair.

Inside of Tea Cozy

This is a picture of the inside of the cozy. It's got a nice, fuzzy, plushy interior. The exterior is what really needs my attention. It won't take long to replace the fabric, and I can use the removed fabric as a pattern for the new floral I've chosen.

Fabric Replacement Choice

 

The pretty fabric with the black background will be made into the new cover for this piece. I'll make it today, and share my finish(es) with you on Monday. I'm really in the mood to play since I sent off our tax documents.

 

Happy St. Patrick's Day to those who celebrate the holiday. We'll celebrate our younger son and his wife's anniversary, as they were married the same day. 

May you enjoy the luck of the Irish today!

Getting Cozy...

Brynwood Needleworks - Friendship Tea Cozy

One of my goals this year is to complete a number of UFOs (UnFinished Objects) that are currently taking up residence in my studio. One of them is this tea cozy that started as a counted thread project in the 1990s!!!

I sewed fabrics together in a patchwork pattern (before I ever contemplated quilting), and then started stitching and embellishing with stitchery and trinkets. I'm going to finish it this year. Promise!

Brynwood Needleworks - Beaded Tea Cozy

I shared photos of my vintage beaded tea cozy HERE (waaaay back in 2009, when I only posted teeny, tiny pictures.)

It's reversible and very intricate. It's one of those pieces I couldn't resist purchasing when I first saw it in a Wisconsin antique store. I feel fortunate to have found it. It's a favorite piece.

Snail Cottage Tea Cozy - Web Image

Someone shared these beauties on FaceBook recently. I wish I knew the creator of each one, and where I could link to them! I did some online image searches, but haven't managed to locate the artists.

Sheepy Tea Cozy - Web Image

One thing I do know is that each one is fabulous, whimsical and creative - and I really wish I knew who made them.
 

Mad Hatter Tea Cozy - Web Image

I can almost hear the rabbit giggling in this one!

Dog Tea Cozy - Web Image

You must know how much I love this sweet dog tea cozy!
 

Patchwork Tea Cozy - Web Image

Who wouldn't adore a red and white patchwork cozy?

(enthusiastically raising hand!)

Bug Cottage Tea Cozy - Web Image

Isn't the key hanging from the top of this cottage a clever touch?
(Well, the whole piece is clever, isn't it?)

Knitted Rabbit Tea Cozy - Web Image

I can just imagine Beatrix Potter sitting down to a cuppa with this cozy on her table.

Sunflower Tea Cozy - Web Image

Whether they're sewn, quilted, knit, crocheted or felted...tea cozies like these are like fancy dresses adorning their tea pots.

I hope these images have inspired you. They've certainly given me some ideas! Don't worry. I'm not starting any new tea cozies before I finish my pink one.
 

A Pink Tea Cozy...

Isn't this pretty? I'm still in a pink mood, too! I told you that I'm clearing out the cobwebs, and this piece really proves it.

This project has been squirreled away for far too long. (I mean, years too long!) and I was actually tickled - as in, "I found a present" tickled - when I saw it. I took it out of the cabinet and decided it deserves to be completed.

It's a crazy quilt of Ralph Lauren fabrics that I purchased as pre-cuts and then assembled many moons ago. Then I found the padded cozy liner when I owned Stitches, so the project started to take shape. I loved the friendship-themed counted thread sampler, so it needed to be the centerpiece of the cozy. (It is not one of my Brynwood Needleworks sampler designs.) I can't remember if I stitched it, or if one of my employees did. There were soooo many samplers stitched back then, and this one wasn't signed. (Note to needleworkers and crafters of all kinds: Always sign your work. Always!)

Over the years, I have added hand stitching, lace, special buttons and ribbon embroidery. It's really hard for me to know when enough is enough on these things, so I'm going to err on the side of "less is more". I'm going to select the lining fabric today and decide what I want to do to finish the project.

So, before the end of this week, I'm planning that you'll get to see my completed pink tea cozy. I can't wait to share it with you. It's certainly about time I finish it, don't you think? Please let me know if you've been cleaning out the cobwebs at your house and which projects you've unearthed to complete!