New career suits Loani to a tea
WHEN Loani Prior made personalised tea cosy sets as Christmas presents for 10 family members six years ago, she did not realise that it would spawn a new career.
"I call it a knit change. I earn a lot less money but my life is more fun," Ms Prior said.
The former corporate consultant now works from her Doonan home knitting, hosting knitting workshops and writing books on knitting tea cosies - wild ones, at that.
She is about to start a national tour launch for her third book, How Tea Cosies Changed the World.
Her first two books, Wild Tea Cosies and Really Wild Tea Cosies, reached numbers six and seven on Australia's top-selling book lists.
Ms Prior, who made only four phone calls to gain her first publishing deal, said the humble tea cosy seemed to strike a chord with people.
"It does something when they see it. It's like a piece of history," she said.
"You view this thing and you remember your grandma or aunt."
Tea cosies have turned out to be the gift that keeps on giving for Ms Prior.
How Tea Cosies Changed the World will be launched on the Sunshine Coast with a high tea at the Outrigger, Noosa, on Wednesday, March 28, from 2.30pm.
For tickets at $20, phone Annie's Books on Peregian on 5448 2053 or anniesbooks@bigpond.com.au.
