I-cord Easy Mug-cosy

This is the type of project that 'just happened' one day. I had a lot of I-cord (knitted string), that I was not sure what to do with, and once I realised that I can both get rid of a tangly thing lying around and make a nice present for my grandma's birthday. (Which is December 24th)

First, collect some colourful leftover yarn. This is the hardest part as all the colours should be bright and look nice together. Actually, I decided not to bother and use some variegated sock yarn  that has been lying around since last winter.
Then spend a few evenings watching good old films and knitting a loooooooooong I-cord.
If you don't know what I-cord is, look here http://www.purlbee.com/i-cord-tutorial/, or just about anywhere. Don't be scared if you've never touched knitting needles before; it is very easy

You should make enough I-cord to wind it in spirals around your cup.
Start going up, and when you meet the handle turn 180 and go back wards. Make one of your turns a bit longer to go through the handle, so it can become a buttonhole. Hold everything in place as you proceed with little 'invisible' stitches with an ordinary sewing needle and thread.
It was long to write, but actually the photos are quite self-explanatory. 

Well, 
1) Choose a nice-looking button
2) Sew it on.

You should get something like this:

I hope it turns out a good present. It only took me about four evenings ( the total playing time of 'the Birds', 'About a boy', and something else).