So I present, the Hat:
Yarn: About half a skein of Fleece Artist's Peter Rabbit in a colour I think no longer exists, though I think it's the rough equivalent of today's Polar Sea
Needles: Size 6 Clover bamboo DPNs
Verdict: Love it. After a washing, it seems not to be so threatening (shedding-wise) anymore. It's bound to keep my large head warm on chilly English nights.