It starts with curiosity, which leads to interest, and is quickly followed by obsession. Trust me it’s a quick descent. Sounds about like life when it comes to yarn doesn’t it?
You should see my tea cabinet. I have about as many choices as I do skeins of yarn and unfinished projects. So, what’s the deal with tea? How does it pair with knitting? And why are all of us knitters so obsessed with the cozy in life?
Knitting and tea go together like wool and socks. Choosing tea is much like choosing the perfect yarn for that next project. It depends on your mood, what kind of energy you have and what you want to use it for. It comes in so many varieties that you’re hard pressed to get bored. I’m still talking about tea, though the same could be said about yarn – am I right?
Like any art form (yes making tea is basically an art form) it takes time to learn what your tastes are or what method you prefer. There’s the Chinese traditional Gong Fu, meaning to brew tea with skill, Western Style, the most widely used and easiest, Grandpa style (the lazy way I like to call it), boiling (the oldest), and last (but not least depending on who you ask) cold brew.
From chai to oolong and herbal tisanes, to black, to green and white teas, and everything in between, there’s a perfect pairing out there for everybody. The similarities between the two arts draw them together. Water temperature, the volume of tea leaves and steeping time are all part of the art of brewing tea the same as yarn weight, needle size and gauge are a part of knitting.
There’s nothing like curling up with a new knitting project and a cup of tea. The satisfaction of casting on another project is something we are all familiar with. Along with the slight pang of guilt when we think of the other works in progress we really should finish before we start this one.
Just remember to drink it while you work. I’ve been known to brew it up and get lost in a pattern repeat only to remember long after it’s gotten cold, which is not the way I like it. So, for that reason my favorite part of sitting down to work with a cup is it slows me down. I have to be mindful of where I pause in my work which makes the process more enjoyable.
The key to tea is patience, like finishing a sock-weight shawl, knitting that second sock, or weaving in all those ends on your sweater.
About the Author: Kathryn Brunk
Katie is a tea loving, yarn addicted writer from Oklahoma. As a tea review she has honed her senses and brewing skills to share with fellow knitters looking for their perfect brew. Katie is a self taught knitter and has a passion for learning new things. Tea has become a source of comfort and knowledge and now a part of her knitting ritual. She is eager to share what she learns and discovers about various tea brands, styles, and flavors.
Follow her on Instagram @twineandtea for the latest reviews, quips, and newest yarn acquirements.
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