Autumn's Coming. Time To Get Cozy.

A Tea Cosy (American English: tea cozy) is a cover made to keep a teapot warm. Tea Cosies were first made around 1867, and was at it's most popular in the Victorian era. The Victorians (named for the time during which Queen Victoria reigned England from 1837-1901) were obsessed with decoration. They liked to cover or embellish any cloth, linen or object. They also really liked to have a special utensil for every type of food or drink, every type of meal or celebration, hence all the wonderful ornamental english silver and porcelain pieces that go unused today (cruets, salt cellars, butter pats, toast racks, etc....)

In America, tea cosies became quite the rage by the late 1800's. Especially in Boston (where they really know how to throw a tea party) when the November 1897 issue of the Boston Journal  provided hints for women on how to construct their own cosy, suggesting the use of embroidered linen or heavy brocade.
Currently, in Great Britain, where tea cosies are still popular, most are hand-knitted, resembling wool hats.

photograph: cashonandcompany.blogspot.com

I bought this tea cosy for myself about 5 years ago, not knowing what it was until I picked it up and read the tag. It is Victorian, and made with heavy silk and is REALLY thick and insulated. I have never used it for it's intended use- on a tea kettle, but I think it's pretty so I keep it on a shelf in a bookcase.

Victorian Velvet  & Thread in Feather Design

from Ruby Lane

Victorian needlework and beads

from Ruby Lane

c.1940 from New York Public Library

Robin Red Brest Cosy

 from Tea Cosy Folk

From Bend the Rules Sewing by Amy Karol

photo from lemonlight

from Bridget Davies/etsy

Recycled felted lambswool

by Remade Shop/etsy

WHAT NOT TO DO WITH YOUR COSY!
from stumbleon/flickr

Not that uncommon, actually! In the Harry Potter series, Dobby the house elf wears a tea cosy as a hat.

As a matter of fact, British comedian Billy Connolly once said, if a man is left alone in a room with a tea cosy, and he does not attempt to wear it on his head, he should not be trusted.  I must admit, I think I remember maybe just once trying mine on my head.