i can make these hats in about 1.5 days now and have gotten down to 1 skein of cascade 220!!
More pics

i have eliminated 4 rows it works every time! i use a size 6 needle start with a crocheted 8 sts cast on and then felt them when i am done. they make excellent xmas gifts.. i am working to do them in 220 yds.. and almost have it there.. i have tweaked the hat pattern a lot and don’t have to count all the sts now. that is easier. i am also trying to come up with my own idea, but i love the envelope that this hat makes for the bill. what a great, great hat pattern.

i use the left over yarn to make a matching muffler. narrow but long enough.. garter stitch and felt it with the hat to match.

the green hat is cascade pastaza 132 yds -- MUST have 2 to use this yarn.
the brown hat is cascade heather 220
the black hat is cascade 220
the gray hat is cascade 220
the purple hat is berroco ultra alpaca

i have made but not photographed: cascade eco duo as well.

cascade 220’s makes a great felt period -- but can be over felted in a NY minute -- excellent choice for holding firm shape

cascade eco duo - wool/alpaca softer, “hairier” felt, holds shape very well

cascade lana d’oro wool/alpaca, softer, less hairy, and holds shape very well.

cascade pastaza - 50/50 wool/lama is “hairy”, soft and holds it shape good

berroco ultra alpaca does not felt well. it is soft and extremely “hairy”

favorite yarn? Eco duo. love the “soft hairy” texture, the feel, the felting.. all around the best i have found so far.. any suggestions on yarns, let me know.