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.