Tea and Knitting

Tea Time Magazine's Jan/Feb issue features a "Knitters' Tea" menu

 Close-knit families can yield some big rewards.

I've been looking forward to the latest (January/February) Tea Time issue since we met up with editor, Lorna Reeves, last November at the Philly Coffee and Tea Expo.  It was there Lorna gave us a head's up on what was in store - a spotlight on tea and knitting.

Although it seems a natural pairing, Lorna shared that she found it was interesting that there was such a concentration of combination tea and yarn shops in the Northwest. A few of these charming stores are highlighted in Tea Time as well as a full menu to host your own "Knitters' Tea".

I've taken up knitting on and off since I was about ten years old, but I really got serious five years ago.  I actually signed up for lessons at a yarn shop in Rochester and really enjoyed it. But, I found with all the other projects/job/family stuff, I had to retire the yarn and needles for a bit.

Tea cozy knitted by my sister-in-law

Fortunately for me, there's a knitter in the family. My sister-in-law, Sandy, is an amazing crafter and I've benefited for several years. She made me an adorable tea cozy after I bought her a knitting book with this specific pattern. (How thoughtful of me!)

She also knitted me a warm and pretty shawl that is cuter and more flexible than any snuggie. With temps in single digits this month, both me and the teapot are staying warm in custom-knitted wear.

Me and my tea pot fashionably outfitted in cozy knitwear

My sister-in-law also made hats for the whole family one Christmas. Mine is ivory-colored in a basket-weave pattern that I wear throughout the winter and every family ski trip.

I have to admit, though, that this issue of Tea Time has inspired me to pick up the needles again.  I went to my craft closet and found a couple of projects "in progress".

Here's one I started a few year's back. It was going to be a scarf. Looks pretty good so far.

Beginning of a lovely scarf

Then I found this in another basket. This was going to be a sweater, I think. Just a few more of knits and pearls to go.

The start of a beautiful sweater.

It may be awhile before I get very far on my projects in progress, but in the meantime, I can certainly enjoy the Knitters' Tea menu. Among the tasty treat recipes featured: cinnamon scones, Shephards' pie and no-bake caramel-apple mini tartlets all paired with a delicious oolong tea. That is certainly something I can finish quickly.

Tea Time Magazine and close knit families certainly do yield great rewards. Glad I have both.

A Downton Abbey-inspired evening at White Lake Library: Warm tea and talk prevail over chilly temps

A Downton Abbey-inspired Evening

This week Barb's TEA Shop presented "A Downton Abbey-inspired Evening" at the White Lake Township Library. A testament to the program planning of Reference Librarian Denise Harris-Fiems and the popularity of the Downton Abbey series, the event room was filled despite chilly temps in Southeastern Michigan. Of course, hot tea was the perfect accompaniment and Republic of Tea's herbal English Rose Tea was the popular choice along with tasty scones.

Wearing my non-restricting tea gown, pictured with Librarian, Denise Harris-Fiems

Among topics covered were the manners and attire of the Edwardian period. I'm particularly fond of the fashion of the tea gowns in the era of the Crawley family - very free flowing and no corsets required.

Guest were invited to bring their own tea cup and share its history. Each cup had an incredible story and all were beautiful.

Library guests share stories of their own tea cups

 A wonderful evening of tea, scones and Downton Abbey fun. It was a delightful way to spend a frosty night in Michigan.

Tea, scones and Downton Abbey-related books add to the tablescape.

The White Lake Township Library has "Downton Days" this week to celebrate the premiere of Season Five last Sunday. Visitors can enjoy trivia questions and a scavenger hunt.

More exciting events are planned throughout the year. For more information, see the White Lake Township Library's Event Page.