My gauge came out way smaller than the pattern gauge, but I intended it to be for a 2 1/2 year old, so I opted to follow the pattern exactly. Otherwise - get the gauge correct. If you want the hat to be less of a beret and more of a beanie, you could add on more rows from the chart - just duplicate the pattern accordingly.

Had a little trouble with the final center of my spokes, but ah, who cares! The little niece loves it, so I’m happy!