Victorian Lace Milk Jug Covers
By Tamera Bastiaans
"There is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of
tea."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Queen Victoria liked garden tea parties, but did not like flies in
the milk jug (what we call a creamer, but they called a milk jug
because you serve milk, not cream in tea). In order to alleviate
this problem, lace doilies, weighted down with beads were the
outcome. They are placed over the "milk jug" to keep flies and
other unwanted items out of the milk. When the milk jug isn't in
use, you can place it over the sugar bowl (proper sugar bowls
don't have lids) to keep the dust off the cubes.
Lace Milk Jug Covers vary in price, from $5 to $10, but I think it is
great fun to make your own! They are not only a pretty addition to
the tea table, but they make wonderful gifts as well, especially
when added to a hand-made tea gift basket. Who wouldn't love
to receive that?
Supplies:
6" 100% ecru or white cotton lace doily (99 cents at Michael's)
Various beads (seed beads, pearl beads and tear drop beads)
Matching cotton thread (clear beading thread is too stiff)
thin beading needle
Directions:
Thread the needle. Choose beads to form a pattern and sew
them on. I usually start at an outer point on the doily. Thread
several beads on, ending with a seed bead below a tear drop,
then thread back up through the beads and secure it at an outer
point on the doily. Don't pull up too tight or the beads will be stiff
and won't dangle nicely. They need to dangle because that
causes them to act as a weight in spots around the outer edge
to pull doily down and keep the flies out.
Don't cut the thread, but weave it through the outer edge of the
doily, securing a bead here and there along the edge until you
reach another outer point. I added bead every 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
Then add the same pattern of beads that you did at the other
point. Continue the pattern until you have reached your staring
point. Tie off securely.
Some of doilies have a circular center and that allows you to add
more beads in a decorative pattern around the center.
NOTES: For directions to a simple but pretty tea cozy Click Here.
About the Author
Tamera is a stay-at-home-wife who loves to cook, read, write, garden and craft. She has a free email newsletter called Tamera's Tea Time Talk and Culinary Chatter. If you would like to sign up for her newsletter click here.
Tamera's Tea Series
Tea Accoutrements
Tea History
High and Low Teas
Napkin Etiquette
Tea Etiquette
Tea Ideas and Tips!
Bridal Teas and Recipes
Starting a Tea Club
Tea Recipes
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