I was looking for a more fitted beanie pattern specifically because a friend in Berlin was asking for just a small cap. The beanies I knew how to make from memory would've just fallen off of his head.
After doing a quick Pinterest search I ended up on Ravelry and found the Vale Beanie pattern by The Blue Mouse. So I've made maybe 20 or so beanies now.
It's a quick project and good palate cleanser in between sweater projects I have been finishing up. The decreases at the top end in an elegant four points with no cinching/bunching at the top (which is a big pet peeve of mine).
I followed the fingering pattern using several different yarns on size 3 circular needles, then using DPNs as I close up the top.