Bernat Denimstyle Hat

This Denimstyle hat is a Christmas present for my son, Brad, who goes to Virginia Tech. Made with Bernat Denimstyle yarn in Color number 03430 Batik. I'm using size 8 needles and knitting in the round. The pattern calls for it to be knitted flat and then seamed but I don't "finish" projects well. It also calls for 78 stitches to be cast on the needles but that is too small. So, I'm casting on 84 instead. K2, P2 each row until work from the beginning measures 11 inches (28 cm) and then shape the top.