While this hat is for the experienced knitter, it is surprisingly quick and easier than it looks. Different hat sizing is achieved by using different yarn and needle sizes. You will be able to complete it in a weekend particularly if you knit continentally and can knit while watching a movie. The pattern includes instructions for the optional heart motif with I-cord ear flaps. I cast my stitches onto the larger needle using the cable cast on method. Then I picked up and began using the smaller needle to make the ribbing. I have found this method makes an even cast on that has some give to it. There is a double decrease once you start the crown, followed by a lull, then decreases on almost every round on either the knit or purl stitches. A word about I-cords. In order to make the first and last stitch tight enough so the I-cord doesn’t have sloppy loops, I have to knit the I-cord American style so I can pull enough tension on the yarn. Needle sizes are listed in American size first and metric after.