I’m using DPNs, since I learned to knit with them, and they still feel like old friends somehow.

I’ve never made a hat without a ribbed rim before. This rim is allowed to curl in on itself. I rather like it.

…about 24 hours later:
Okay, so using size 4 (mm) needles (and finer yarn) has definitely resulted in a smaller hat. And due to the soft rim it doesn’t even stay on my head. I still like the pattern a lot, so I’m trying to take up the stitches I started with using a circular needle and adding a ribbed rim after all.

…and finally:
Knitted a rim separately with DPNs, then attached it.
If you turn it up, you can’t even see the seam.
I love this hat!