On really cold winter days, I find it easier to wear a neck warmer instead of a scarf. With layers, a winter coat and cross over bag, a neck warmer is so much more comfortable and reduces the bulk.
I found this pattern on Ravelry. This set is made with worsted weight yarn and is a great beginner knitting project since only knit stitches are used.
However, here is a variation where purl stitches are used too.
The hat band is knitted using straight needles. The hat body is knitted in the round on four double pointed needles or two sets of circular needles. I prefer knitting with two circular needles. it is much easier to fit and measure as the project progresses. The stitches are less likely to fall off the needle as with double pointed needles.
I don’t recommend using straight needles for the entire hat.