One skein of Noro Kureyon will make the Small/Medium size.

Adaptable to your interpretation of “not boring”. Any knit/purl combination can be used for the bands, for instance. Knit a third band or repeat the two row yarn over sections to make it as long as you want.

If you’re interested in utility, as well as aesthetics, I recommend alpaca yarn. Thus, your hat will be water repellent, as well as warm, and lightweight enough to tuck in your pocket, when you’re not wearing it.

Note on Sizes: Young teenagers, and I (with my 22” head and very short hair), all wear Small/Mediums, very nicely. I made the larger sizes for people who wanted their hats a bit roomier and for people who have lots of hair.