The shop did not have the colors I wanted in the Cascade 220 super-wash so I ended up getting the sport weight and knitting on smaller needles. I think it may work out OK as this is for a 12 year old.
I am using the smaller needles for the ribbing.
I hope the writing will stand out enough; it is my first Illusion Knitting project.
To avoid the jog in the striping, I do the following at the beginning of each odd # row in LC only: Pick up the first stitch below and place it on the left needle, then knit both BC stitches together in LC.

I am a little stressed knitting this as I cannot see the lettering whatsoever, I feel like typing Morse code without knowing how.

I did see the writing once I finished and holding it in the correct angle; quite clever, really. Now all that’s left to worry about is if our nephew will like it.

Update 12. 16.: Our nephew LOVES the hat!!!