So here's what happened. I wanted to make hat stranded with two yarns that I recently picked up at the new Yuzawaya in Osaka, to bring with me on our snowboarding trip to Hokkaido. But Christmas knitting took longer than expected, and sure enough, I didn't have a chance to cast on until just a few nights before we left. Then I miscalculated and cast on too many stitches and the hat was way too big. Instead of taking the time I needed to recalculate and start over, I just started decreasing for some makeshift earflaps and it turned out great!

For added warmth, I knitted a lining but let the front roll up naturally before picking up those stitches. The result is a cloche-type hat with small earflaps. It's thick and cozy but doesn't flatten my hair, which is always a concern. I love my new hat, but now that I'm back home it isn't really cold enough to wear anymore. Maybe in February!