Teapot cozies have never been all too popular in the United States, which is why the pattern instructions below are so odd. They were published in 1915 and the unknown author is trying to civilize Americans with charming English traditions.
Cozy for the Teapot
Since the afternoon tea has become such a popular form of entertainment, a tea cozy is an actual necessity, writes Helen Howe in the Washington Star. Even though the table is equipped with a kettle and alcohol stove, it is still necessary to keep the teapot hot, and here it might be well to say that when the kettle and tea caddy are absent, the better plan is to make the tea in an earthen teapot and place it where it will keep hot while brewing, which should be from three to five minutes. Then is should be poured off into the company teapot which has first been made very hot. A second brewing can be made as wanted. If this plan is followed there will be no danger of the tea standing upon the leaves too long. The English always make it this way. They have to if they would not poison their guests, since tea drinking begins about three and continues until six, visitors dropping in and out.
A tea cozy can be as plain or as elaborate as the hostess pleases. One of the most convenient shapes is the half circle, and this is very easy to make at home. The foundation is a roll of cotton formed into the desired shape, covered inside and out with white lawn (fabric). Over this comes a fancy outer cover and a lining of heavy silk or flannel for the inside. The outside may be made of handsome material, as a bit of silk brocade, tapestry, embroidered cloth or linen, decorated or stamped velvet or thin silk shirred and combined with lace motifs.
One of the prettiest models has a pink silk cover with a puffing of the silk about four inches wide around the half circle, an embroidered cover being laced on over the puffing. To those who cannot do the embroidery, but who would like to have a cozy on this order, I would suggest they buy a large dolly or small centerpiece of white linen embroidered in English eyelet and cut it exactly through the middle. This would create a cover-all ready for lacing on. The advantage in having a linen cover is that it can be taken off and laundered, then it will be as good as new again.
When two pieces of fabric are connected without the puffing they should be strongly sewed together and the stitches covered with a cord in a color harmonizing with the material. Old gold is usually a safe choice. The cord also finished the lower edge. Three loops should be formed with the cord at the top of the cozy when sewing on as a convenience in lifting it.
There is another very attractive model, but this is more difficult to make. A medium-sized china doll is the foundation. She wears an immense crinoline wire skirt under a very elaborate gown made sufficiently long to cover the teapot. The wire skirt is padded generously both inside and out.
Source: The Keota news. (Keota, Weld County, Colo.), 12 Feb. 1915.
