I've made soooo many of these hats! My brothers and sons are lobstermen in the cold North Atlantic, and in Fisherman's Wool. these hats keep them warm even in freezing spray. This hat is great knit in 2 colors of Wool Ease too, or any other Lionbrand worsted weight yarn. I use contrasting colors, and knit many for my dad who was in the Veteran's Home. Wool Ease is great for these hats for the elderly in assisted living. It wears like iron through many washings yet is still soft enough for elderly who feel cold to wear to bed, really warm, and with all the colors available, the recipient always has a unique hat. I've made this pattern with Heartland yarn too. Sometimes I use two colors for the band, then use two different colors for the crown, and even mix Fishermans Wool with Wool Ease or Heartland. It's all good. I knit them on a 16" circular until I get to the top then use the Magic Loop method on a long circ for the decreases to finish. Great for adults, and kids about age 10 up. For little kids, I use this pattern but a size 8 16" circ and 32" size 8 circ for Magic Loop..