I let this hibernate for awhile. I needed to make some dishcloths for DD to give to friends. I could have finished it a lot sooner.
To avoid red purl bumps, I knitted one red round before starting the three purl rounds. Each repeat was 7 rounds. After 4 repeats (28 rounds), the hat was just 4” long, counting ribbed brim. Usually, I start decreases at 6 inches, decreasing 8 sts every other round. I added a fifth repeat before decreasing.

I followed the directions more exactly than I did with my previous hats from this pattern. It turned out to be my favorite of the three Luuk hats I have made. I added the large bobble, similar to the directions. I might use it again instead of a pom pom. I can see if anybody chooses it next December. Meanwhile, I can wear it a few times before spring starts, and see if people comment favorably.