I've now completed a second one of these, and the pattern seems to work! It also works quite well as a headband.

Materials:
1 skein chunky weight yarn (approx 55 yards)
- Debbie Bliss Merino Chunky (blue) and Mirasol Sulka (brown).
1 pair 5.5mm straight needles
Tapestry needle
3 buttons

Size:
To fit an average adult woman.
Approx 4" by 18" stretched flat.

Pattern:
CO 66 stitches

Row 1: *k2 p2* to last 2 stitches, k2.
Row 2: k4 *p2 k2* to last 2 stitches, p2.
repeat these 2 rows once.

Row 5: k2, p2 *[leaving sts on left needle, k2tog; k into first st again, drop both sts from left needle] p2* to last 2 stitches, k2
Row 6: k4 *p2 k2* to last 2 stitches, p2.
Row 7: *k2 p2* to last 2 stitches, k2.
Row 8: k4 *p2 k2* to last 2 stitches, p2.
repeat rows 5-8 once.
repeat row 5 once.

row 14: k4, p2 *k1, m1, k1, p2* to last 4 stitches, k2, p2.

row 15: k2, p2, *k2, p3* to last 6 stitches, k2, p2, k2.
row 16: k4, p2, *k3, p2* to last 4 stitches, k2, p2.
repeat these 2 rows once.

BO in pattern.

Attach buttons to right hand side of finished piece.  Using tapestry needle, sew button loops on opposite side.