We’re not sure what it is about tea cosies (perhaps the unspoken promise of tea and biscuits?), but there’s something truly irresistible about designing and knitting them. So we were arather delighted to discover that the residents of a town in Queensland, Australia, has declared it ‘tea cosy capital of the world.’

The town, named Miles (but previously named Dogwood – the new name is not due to it’s distance from Brisbane, or even the UK, but in honour of William Miles, a local member of parliament), is hosting an international tea cosy design competition to celebrate – what knitter could resist?

There are four categories to choose between: Knitted/Crocheted, Embroidery, Novelty and Colour-Themed (Pink for Breast Cancer or Red for Heart Foundation), so you’re sure to have an idea that’ll fit into one.

Your tea cosy or cosies, along with an entry form, must sent to Mrs Ann Gibbons, Mirrabook, MILES 4415, Queensland, Australia. Entry is free, but all tea cosies received will remain the property of Miles Regional Arts Council Inc, to be sold at a later date with the money distributed to charities.  

The deadline for entries is the end of June 2012, giving you plenty of time to come up with something original, inventive and possible a bit mad! 

Visit www.milesrac.org for full details.