On a perfect sunny Autumn day, Bundoora Homestead held their inaugural Garden Tea Party. Thousands of people picnicked on the lawns, strolled in and out of the mansion, and checked out my tea cosy display. I was asked frequently if I'd made them all myself - the question was probably asked when they saw me stitching a doily when I was sitting at the side of the tent. Some people said to each other "What a clever way to recycle doilies" which prompted me to respond immediately that this was not the case - all my tea cosies were made up as tea cosies from scratch. Another question asked by many was "How much is this one?" and when I told them none were for sale because they are a private collection, they were astonished that one person could accumulate so many!

My spot was one of two small marquees seen here on the left.

The organisers set up two trestle tables and two chairs for me. I covered one table with a black sheet and the other with a white sheet (I borrowed the black one from a friend).

My friend Glenda came with me to help set up the display. Each cosy was supported underneath by a plastic drink bottle half, with a piece of cardboard cut to the shape of the cosy, to hold it in place.

Tired but happy at the end of the day!

In between talking to people, I did some stitching, and managed to finish this little doiley that has been in my stash for years.

Meanwhile, under the verandah of the homestead, there were half a dozen ladies busily knitting tea cosies for the Tea Cosy Festival coming up in May. I showed them my patchwork cosies made from ties, and they were impressed! As I was by their knitting...I've never been able to knit, so I am impressed by what can be made by clicking needles and wool!