Repairing a Damaged Hat

Last week my daughter called very upset.  Her darling little puppy had chewed on her favorite hat.  Piper puppy is 4 1/2 months now and is getting better but......she still forgets and chews things she shouldn't.

The hat was not just any hat.  It was one they purchased on a trip to Ireland, and she likes it.  There are many photos of her wearing it.

It's the perfect winter hat for her.

So one day when I was at her house, I saw it laying on the table.  She wondered if I could try to fix it.  I had my doubts because it looked pretty bad, but I said I would try.  It took me a while to find some matching yarn.  It isn't black and it wasn't the gray I had in my stash.  It is a dark charcoal gray which isn't that easy to find.  I took my swatch with me everywhere and finally found something close.  I only needed a few yards, but I had to buy a whole skein.  The good part is that I will have enough leftover to make another headband.

http://www.thecabincountess.com/2013/11/knitted-headband-ear-warmer.html

I wasn't sure if I could make it as good as new.

The first thing I did was take out all the broken threads and unraveled enough to tie off.  Then I threaded and secured the yarn in the part of the hat that was stable.  I began knitting, securing each end by picking up a good solid stitch.  After a few rows, I bound off and sewed to the back.  It's a little bumpy, but I think she will get a little more wear out of it.

What do you think?  Good as new?