This holiday season I found a present under the tree that is perfect for this, the twelfth day of Christmas…
At first, we weren’t completely sure what I had opened. It came in three pieces. One was large and two were small. They were knit from gold and purple yarn with metallic gems and fluffy rims. It was obvious enough that they were crowns but what were they for?
No matter our age it seems crowns are quite irresistible. The largest one wasn’t passed half way around the room before it was on someone’s head. It fit well enough but I was pretty sure that despite my sister-in-law’s fair opinion of us she had not knit anyone in my family a personal crown.
Knowing that my sister-in-law and I do share a love of tea I suggested my son take the crown from his head and check for ear holes. Sure enough, he found them. That led to further and varied speculation on the nature of the gift until I produced my teapot and pulled the crown over top.
That settled it. We had a new tea cozy, one perfect for Epiphany, or Three Kings Day. We also had two matching egg cozies and lots of smiles. A brilliant gift!
A tea cozy is something many seldom give much thought to in the US but in Britain I take it they are quite popular. I even found a quote by Scottish comedian Bill Connolly that says “Never trust a man who, left alone in a room with a tea cozy, doesn’t try one on.” It would appear that if it looks like a crown a man need not even be left alone in the room, at least not at my house.
Better yet, tea cozies are also quite practical, and this knitted version does a nice job of keeping the pot warm while the tea is brewed and savored. It is also a great conversation piece not to mention an intricate and handsome job of knitting!
This evening as we celebrate Epiphany we will place the figures of the three kings in our nativity tableau and share a simple King Cake and a pot of tea warmed by our new crown cozy. Another Christmas season draws to a close as a bright new year begins.
As those kings discovered so many years ago, Jesus is the light of the world and his birth changed everything. May the blessings of that light fill your life with wonder. Here’s to bright new beginnings in 2011!
Brilliant and just darling!
How perfectly adorable! I made your king cake for Epiphany and it was wonderful. Your recipes all look scrumptious!
That is a lovely tea cosy!
Happy New Year & all the best for 2011!
Very cute and very clever…Love it!
not only are tea cozies useful, but they're (usually) very pretty AND they benefit from an awesomely appropriate and fun name. 🙂
That is adorable!
Cute story and beautiful handiwork by your sister. Tea cozies are popular in Canada too – at least where I grew up. I have one that my Mother made and treasure it.
Very clever!