cute hat i made for my sisters friend's 2 and a half year old! (even though it's a toddler pattern it fits me! and i'm 18! lol) here's the link! :D it'd probably take about 2 hrs to make (but i get distracted pretty easy so it takes me longer to crochet stuff lol)
all you need to know are basic crocheting techniques and you should be fine.

i have pictures from before i added the pom pom and the braids at the end so you can see it both ways. :D

in the link it also has the directions to make the braids and a link on how to make the pom pom.
(this link is for the toddler one but i used the design from the 9-12 month hat)