Cardigan update and Christmas mushrooms

 I have knit a new collar on the pullover make over. I didn't want to buy new yarn because I have bins full, some of which may never be used by me. Who knows? So this soft, beautiful teal/black seems just right for the collar and button bands. Of course, it doesn't match the sleeve cuffs and waist band, but that's neither here nor there, I'm not entering it in a competition and it will be much more comfortable.

The button hole band got knit this morning, I just need to cast off. These buttons are just resting on the button holes to give a sense of what it will look like when finished. Just the button band remains, and a few small moth holes (ugh) to patch up. I've already patched up a few. They are really attracted to this wool.

I've been making some Christmas mushrooms out of Prosecco corks. I love Prosecco for those special occassions, like Friday evenings. ;) The "90+ Cellars" brand is my favorite and their corks happen to be a good shape for these. 

I start by sticking a toothpick in the bottom so it can be held while painting. Paint the top red, the stem white.

Add white dots.

Stick a jewelry thingie (I find them at Walmart in the beading section) in the top for later hanging.

I have to cut them a bit shorter so they don't stick out the bottom of the 'mushroom'.

Finally, I spray it with a coat of clear, matte finish acrylic sealer.

I'm going to hang these on a garland along with the dried orange slices I made last spring, some small pine cones from the yard, and possibly some cranberries. Or, I might make two different garlands, depending how busy the one looks.