The lion tea cosy was designed for the Simply Knitting Magazine issue 143 which went on sale on the 29th January 2016.

The lion tea cosy is based loosely on old African Tingatinga art; a stylised art form that extenuates the features of African animals, with a blast of bright colours.

The lion tea cosy has a colourful main that looks like flames coming out from the head. The eye are extenuated as too is the lions muzzle in 3 ball like parts. At the back the lion has a flame tipped tail. I wanted the finish of the lion to look as much as possible as the African art work that had inspired me.

A lion tea cosy because tea is the main event.

This Tea Cosy:
is made from double thickness yarn for extra insulation
fits a medium sized teapot that holds 6 to 8 cups or 2 pints

What you will need to make the pattern
5.5 mm, UK size 5 or US size 9 knitting needles,
4.00 mm, UK size 8 or US size 6 Knitting needles,
55g Hayfield Bonus DK Sunflower,
25g Hayfield Bonus DK Bright orange,
25g Hayfield Bonus DK Apricot,
10g Hayfield Bonus DK black,
25g Hayfield Bonus DK Cerise,
25g Hayfield Bonus DK Signal Red,
25g Hayfield Bonus DK Classic Red,
1 pair of yellow 18mm safety eyes
Stuffing.