I’ve been modifying the pattern as I go.

First, I decided to work it flat rather than in the round, with a closure at the back. This means I can attach a bow tie (wild and wingy, like Jack Skellington’s) and perhaps a collar, and not have to make that stretchy to fit over a head.

I also felt that the neck was too bulky -- again, it doesn’t have to fit over a head, or roll up as a big fat brim. I did the decreases immediately after the garter stitch border, and then only did one inch (instead of 3) of stockinette before starting the ribbing.

I knit the first and last inches of ribbing on the 5mm needles, but switched to 4 mm needles for the middle 2 inches so that the neck would be more fitted.

I was afraid that the gauge at the chin was too tight, so I increased at the front (basically, K1, M1 4 times on either side of the centre stitch, on each of the first 2 knit rows after the ribbing). It turns out that this made it almost too big, but the shaping at the chin was a definite plus -- and my husband was glad enough not to feel so claustrophobic in the hat/mask!

I also crocheted around the eyes in black, to make them more finished and to exaggerate the “stitchy” look.

Finally, I made a tie out of black craft foam and glow-in-the-dark paint, stuck some velcro on the back and sewed the other piece to the neck of the mask.