The numbers are made by having yarn "float" behind your work. You knit just the color you need for that stitch and let the other one hang out. So fair isle always has a side that's fugly, which is why it's mostly used for hats and sweaters and gloves, things that are round.

If you'd like, I could teach you sometime. I love teaching people to knit! There's videos on www.knittinghelp.com that show how to do just about everything, if you're curious.

I like the way knitting looks better than crocheting, so I'm more likely to wear it. It's also stretchier and uses less yarn.