I started by crocheting a shell pattern. I joined it in the round and then picked up the stitches in the starting crochet chain with my knitting needle and knit the rest of the hat.
It only took a few hours, and while I knit it I tried to pour lots of happy thoughts into that hat. Hopefully she will love it!
The yarn is Loops & Threads Charisma. I found it at Michael's Arts & Crafts.