As much as I love cable knit, there's something about Fair Isle patterns that just make it fun to wear and a challenge to knit. Of course, I had to try out a beanie with some neutral winter-toned colors (and a MASSIVE pompom on top)!

I think the key to Fair Isle patterns is ensuring that all strands move around the hat together. In sections without switching colors, I still twist the yarn inside the hat every few stitches to ensure that the unused strand of yarn is still moving along the side of the hat with the stitches. 

Yarn: 
Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Size 4 in Silver Heather
Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Size 4 in Beige
Lily Sugar 'n Cream Size 4 in Warm Brown
Red Heart Super Saver Size 4 in Soft White
Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Size 4 in Honey

Needles: 
US 5 circular
US 7 circular
US 7 straight x 4

Using US 5 circular needle, cast on 112 sts with silver heather yarn.
1-7 rnd: *K1. P1* 
Switch to US 7 circular needle. Switch to US 7 straight needles when needed.
1-24 rnd: K following colors in pattern 1
25-26 rnd: K beige yarn
27-32 rnd: K following colors in pattern 2
33 rnd: K silver heather yarn
34 rnd: *K12, K2tog* = 104 sts
35 rnd: *K11, K2 tog* = 96 sts
36 rnd: *K10, K2 tog* = 88 sts
37 rnd: *K9, K2 tog* = 80 sts
38 rnd: *K8, K2 tog* = 72 sts
39 rnd: *K7, K2 tog* = 64 sts
40 rnd: *K6, K2 tog* = 56 sts
41 rnd: *K5, K2 tog* = 48 sts
42 rnd: *K4, K2 tog* = 40 sts
43 rnd: *K3, K2 tog* = 32 sts
44 rnd: *K2 tog* = 16 sts
45 rnd: *K2tog* = 8 sts
Thread yarn through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure. 
Add pompom formed from all colors.

Smile c:
~michelle

Spring is always the time of the year where I attempt to adjust my diet to a healthier one, especially after an entire holiday season of binge eating. I am not, however, a huge fan of salads, so I try my best to find different kinds to switch things up throughout the week. One of my current favorites is the Caprese salad, with some bowtie pasta tossed in. It's filling, healthy, and extremely easy to make!

Serves: 1-2

3. Toss the grape tomatoes, mozzarella, pasta, and washed spinach in with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Smile c:
~michelle

The holidays might be over, but the cold weather isn't. The best part is that many craft stores are having huge yarn sales as part of post-Christmas sales. Yarn sales and cold weather can only mean one thing - more knitting!

Please note that C#F refers to bringing the cable towards the knitter (to the inside of the hat). C#B refers to bringing the cable away from the knitter (to the outside of the hat).

Yarn:
Loops and Threads Cozy Wool Size 6 (one ball barely suffices, preferably use two balls)

Needles:
US 11 circular
US 13 circular
US 13 straight x 4

Using US 11 circular needle, cast on 56 sts.
1-15 rnd: *K1. P1* (for longer brim, use 20 rnds)
16 rnd: *P1. K8. P1. K4*
Switch to US 13 circular needle. Switch to US 13 straight needles when needed.
1 rnd: *P1. C8B. P1. K4*
2-6 rnd: "P1. K8. P1. K4*
7 rnd: *P1. C8B. P1. K4*
8-12 rnd: "P1. K8. P1. K4*
13 rnd: *P1. C8B. P1. K4*
14-16 rnd: "P1. K8. P1. K4*
17 rnd: *P1. (K2tog)4 times. P1. (K2tog)2 times* = 32 sts
18 rnd: *P1. K4. P1. K2*
19 rnd: *P1. C4B. P1. K2*
20 rnd: *P1. (K2tog)2 times. P1. K2tog* = 20 sts
21 rnd: *P1. K2tog. P2tog* = 12 sts
22 rnd: *P2tog. P1* = 8 sts
Thread yarn through remaining stitches, pull tight, and secure. Add pompom. 

Smile c:
~michelle