a cabled earflap hat

1 skein Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky in Wild Oak
1 16 inch #9 circular needle
1 set #9 DPNs
cable needle (or use a DPN)

gauge - about 3.5 st/inch

to fit an averagely big adult head:

Using the circular needle, cast on 72 stitches.
Row 1: knit 8, purl 4 across
Repeat row one 6 more times.
Row 8: (slip next 4 stitches to cable needle or DPN, hold to front, k4, k st from cn, p4, k8, p4)*
Row 9: (k8,p4)*
Repeat row nine 6 more times.
Row 16: (k8,p4,slip next 4 st to cn, hold to back, k4, k st from cn, p4)*
Repeat rows 1-16 once.
Repeat row nine three times.

Decrease rows:
(method: decrease purl stitches, then first part of cables, then last part of cables, repeat)
Row 1: (k8,p2tog,p2)*
Row 2: (k2tog,k6,p3)*
Row 3: (k5,ssk,p3)*
Row 4: (k6,p1,p2tog)*
Row 5: (k2tog,k4,p2)*
Row 6: (k3,ssk,p2)*
Row 7: (k4,p2tog)*
Row 8: (k2tog,k2,p1)*
Row 9: (k1,ssk,p1)*

Pull yarn through remaining loops and secure. Weave in ends.

Earflap:
Pick up 14 stitches on one side of hat, from the middle of one cable to another.
Row 1: k across
Row 2: k2, p to last two stitches, k2
Row 3: k2, k2tog, k to last four stitches, ssk, k2
Repeat rows 2 and 3 until five stitches are left (right side), then k2tog,k1,k2tog.

With right side facing, make a 14 inch i-cord with remaining three stitches. When finished, leave live stitches on needle, break yarn, and cut four equal lengths of yarn. Fold over and thread through stitches, pulling ends through loop. Cut tassel to desired length (1.5 inches as shown).