I got it finished today

here are some picturs and some mods I did to the pattern...

For the first blue section I did a simple flag, I know your not suppose to intarsia in the round...but this will be protected once you fold up and attach the provisional cast on...so I figured long floats would be ok.

The second blue section I just continued the established pattern

In between the pattern repeats of the deer...I worked the tree pattern again. I dropped the pattern down 2 rounds and I made it taller by 2 rounds.
Also when I connected the provisional cast on I worked that as a purl round...
The decrease I just started it 2 rounds before you were suppose to, I kinda like the top flopping back a bit. Although my 6 yr old has fallen in love with the hat...
ETA: I did my hat on size 6 US needles...I know the pattern first called for 7s but think that has now been changed to 6s.