In 2015, Michigan announced its commitment to create a state-wide trail system leading from southern Belle Isle, traveling north to the tip of the Upper Peninsula, and finishing in Iron Mountain. My niece and I hope to travel the entire trail in bits and pieces as the rails to trails sections become completed. What’s the name of the trail? The Iron Belle.You can bet we’ll be wearing a couple of these hats as we hike and bike the many miles that traverse our state. Maybe we’ll see you out there.

This quick hat gives you the color you love without the fine gauge traditionally found in Fair Isle knitting. Knit this out of scraps, or in colors picked especially to make you stand out from the crowd. You’ll want to make more than one.

This hat was originally released as “Wall Flower” but after a few years of listening to friends tell me what a horrible name it was, I finally caved. Truthfully, the vertical patterns remind me of iron work, and the floral-inspired pattern at the edge reminds me of gardens.