THE BUTTON BEAUTY: Great things to do

Just returned from a road trip of a few days, which started badly and ended up in delicious, warm and fuzzy relaxation.

I have perfected the art of knitting in the car, and so made a few crowns for dress-ups based on this pattern, but modified as I thought I could do mine without thinking...

I cast on 100 stitches, garter stitch (plain knitting) as many rows as you want the base of your crown to be. I did 6 the first time, 10 the second, and am thinking 12 might suit better. My needles are 6mm bamboo, which mean I knit quite loosely on these... Wool is scraps, generally 8 ply.

I then knit 20 stitches, turned the work, and knitted the same 20 again. Then working with k2tog at the start and finish of each row on the right side of the work until 14 stitches remain, then k2tog at the start and finish of each row. When 2 stitches remain, k2tog, break off yarn, and tie off. This is point one. Just keep this up until there are 5 points, sew in loose ends, add buttons, baubles as per original pattern, etc, and there's a crown! Mine are 100 stitches as Master 6 and his band of merry mischief makers have big heads.... Photos will come when they are adorned.

Also, found some lovely oppies on the road, where this little table cloth was found for $5.

I love it. It's destined to stay a tablecloth for the time being.

The pillowcase was 20 cents and reminds me of the Lovely Holly Hobbie and Mary Kaye designs of my fave swap cards!

LOVED a little town named Canowindra, where we came across the best country hospitality of the year. The kids were actually acknowledged, and we were able to properly relax. It was magical. We want to go back and stay here. Canowindra is Australia's hot air ballooning capital, which appeals to me too!

Came home to many blog posts to read, emails galore, and NO RESPONSE from Paypal or from the seller unfortunately. Lovely offer of assistance from Bells, just love blogland niceness. LOVE this mail from Shannon too:

It's being saved for a Special New Friend who loves red, knitting, and handmade. I hope it will be for a Project she is Working On at the moment...

Love the idea of a Knit Along - Bells alerted us to this here which is linked to the Tour de France, which I hope to join. There are only 108 places, so click the link here if you are interested in a reason to knit! (Just found out by email I am IN, and on TEAM QUICKSTEP, led by Angie from Riggwelter.wordpress.com!)

I have also almost finished the I-Spy quilts for the kids, now just waiting for the machine to come back from its service ($$$$$).

Another little game I am joining in on is Nicola's Week of Decoration. Following on from her gorgeous week of colour, she is hosting a week of decorations through photos we take daily. Today is spots, dots, circles, etc, and I am off to take some pics!!