Lauren spotted this pattern and claimed the ball of Cascade two-toned orange I had around. I liked the proportion and definition in the owl cables so I bought Julie Grimmett’s pattern even though there are similar free versions. This pattern only has the one size. It fits firmly but comfortably around my 22” head. The Cascade seems to knit up shorter than the Lion Heart I used on her cousin’s hat (or else maybe I didn’t do as many rows?)

Modifications? I added in some purl stitches between the owls ears so that the purl band continues behind the faces and makes more of textured ‘stripe.’ (On the last or third set of cables for the ears/horns on the face: Knit the stitches on the left needle and purl the stitches on the cable needle in the first CB4 and then purl the stitches on the left needle and knit the ones from the cable needle for the CF4. Then purl the 4 stitches between the ears on the last row on the cable patterned section. That’s followed by the stockinette stitch for the rest of the body of the hat.)

Note that CB4 and CF4 means to place 2 stitches on a cable needle (in back or in front, then knit 2 from the left needle--for some reason I want it to read something like: CB2, knit 2 from left needle, knit 2 from cable needle, CF2, knit 2 from left needle, knit 2 from cable needle. Just me, I expect.

I would also suggest using a size or two smaller needles for the rib band because the cables pull in and make the ribbing appear loose.

Lauren decided she liked having each owl with a different colored pair of buttons for eyes. I used the colors she chose from what I had. My button box was a little low on small enough choices, but it was fun to add an antique pair from her Grandfather’s army kit.