Update December 2019:
This is by far my most-worn hat I’ve ever knit. I took over the bulk of its wear, since my husband now prefers a less slouchy hat, but it has worn like a dream and it is SO warm. I just got yarn to knit another exactly like it (same yarn, only in ivory).

Since I’ve committed to using only stash yarn in 2014 (at least for now!), small, single-skein projects are my project of choice. I like this hat, so far knitting the smaller size per pattern, and since the entire hat is knit in rib (1x1 on the brim and mistake rib after that) the sizing is flexible.

My Modifications

Knit hat per pattern, except:

As others have mentioned, the top of the hat would tend to be somewhat pointed, if knit exactly per pattern. To compensate for that, at ~Round 18 of the crown decreases:

• k2tog all around.
• Knit one round in pattern (somewhat in k1, p1), but the pattern wasn’t very visible at this point.
• k2tog all around on the next row, and
• Cut yarn, weave through remaining stitches.

Final thoughts on the FO

• Great hat. It’s very masculine looking, and my husband loves the natural striping pattern that’s visible in the undyed alpaca. It’s officially his hat. (He put it on right when I finished and claimed it as his own) :)