Just improvising as I go along.

10/16/10: CO 56 stitches. Join in the round and place marker.

Knit in garter stitch for the next 6 rows, starting w/ a knit row.

Continue in stockinette stitch for 4 inches.

Begin decreases.
R1: (k6, k2tog) repeat to end of round. (49 ss remain)
R2: (k5, k2tog) repeat to end of round (42 ss remain)
R3-5: knit
R6: (k4, k2tog) repeat to end of round (35 ss remain)
R7-9: knit
R10: (k3, k2tog) repeat to end of round (28 ss remain)
R11-13: Knit
R14: (k2, k2tog) repeat to end of round (21 ss remain)
R15-21: knit
R22: (k1, k2tog) repeat to end fo round (14 ss remain)
R23-25: knit
R26: (k2tog) repeat to end of round (7 ss remain)
R27: Knit.
Knit for 2 inches. K2tog, k1, k2tog,k2. Continue to knit in I-cord until you reach desired length.

Leaving an 8-inch tail, cut yarn and weave tail through remaining stitches. (The tail will be used to attach the pom-pom.

Make large pom-pom and attach to end of I-cord tail using your tail yarn. Weave in ends and trim.
(YouTube link for making pom-pom HERE)

10/17/10: Couldn’t find a pattern just like what I wanted so this is what I came up with. After I had the hat knit, I used most of the remaining skein to make a HUGE pom-pom. The pom-pom is quite heavy for yarn, but as long as the babe’s head is resting against something, it should be okay.

Because I made a super long tail, this hat would only be worn by the babe w/ supervision. This would be pretty cute for newborn baby pictures. :)