March 15, 2021: I followed the tubular cast on method for 2x2 rib using waste yarn. Here is a video by KnittingHouseSquare showing the method.

Cast on 96 sts (started with (96/2)+1=49 sts on waste yarn). For the cast on I used US#4 needles. Switched to US#5 circulars for the 2x2 ribbing. Worked ribbing for 4.25 inches (including the increase row).

Started the increase row with US#7 needles. I followed the pattern almost exactly. I got a shallower row gauge. So I threw in 2 additional rows of stockinette after the chart. I caught the floats behind the sheep and they do show through. Blocking helped a lot but they still show (see the 2nd photo). It’s just the nature of the beast.

Added a pompom made on the medium (green) clover pompom maker.

Yarn used:
Dark Purple: 45g
White: 16g
Grey: 4g
Lilac: 28g for the hat and 19 g for the pompom

Measurements:
Length with cuff unfolded: 10.25”
Length with cuff folded: 8.25”
Width: 9.2”

Summary: It’s a beautiful pattern. After blocking the hat fits my 22” head OK but it is a teeny bit loose. I want to make another hat (as I have a lot of yarn left over) with US #4 for the ribbing and US #6 for the body.
I will also try ladderback jacquard or maybe Techknitter’s Version of it (called STUART) to tie in the floats and get a smoother sheep body.