January is Hot Tea Month! Celebrate In Style

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January is the perfect time of year for sipping hot beverages, which is probably why it was chosen to be hot tea month.

Not only is hot tea delicious, but it’s also a great excuse to stitch up cute tea accessories — either to use at a fancy tea party or just for curling up by yourself to enjoy a nice cuppa. As an added bonus, tea accessories tend to be quick to sew, making them wonderful instant-gratification projects when time is tight. I’ve gathered together some great quick tea-lover projects to fill up the day until teatime arrives.

When friends are coming over, dress up your table with a pretty party runner. The Above the Curve Table Runner is inspired by the artwork of Rex Ray. Or for a more festive table, try the Peggy Party Runner. With its simple piecing and fun pompom trim, it makes a great centerpiece. It even comes as a kit with an instructional video!

 

 

 

 

 

 
If table runners aren’t your thing, check out the pretty Blossom placemat and napkin set, sure to do your table up right.

 

To protect your table from a hot kettle, make a Quilted trivet… the only problem is, you might not want to cover it up! And keep your table and trappings safe from spills with the Tea Time Coaster Set. The pieces are reversible so it’s easy to change up your style from party to party.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wearing an apron can give a hostess a little extra flair. For tea, I personally like a half-apron with an interesting hem, like the Chicken Scratch Apron. Or consider the Swine & Dine set — changing the apron from a barbecue theme to tea apropos is as easy as changing out the fabric. And the matching towel project is a great way to make your tea towels coordinate!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of my favorite tea projects doesn’t require a pattern at all. A mug rug is simple and quick to make, and it’s a great way to use up scraps or feature favorite fabrics. Just cut two 5”-6” squares of fabric and a matching square of batting, sandwich them, quilt as desired (this is a great use for your machine’s decorative stitches), then bind with bias or cross-grain strips. Ta-da! Easy as can be.

I think I’m going to go make myself a nice cup of chai… How about you? What’s your favorite tea?

 

 

Don’t miss out! Find more great projects and ideas in our newest issue, available on newsstands and at shopsewitall.com!