From Martha Stewart Living, Nov. 2010, p. 98:

That nip in the air means it’s time to get knitting. These stitched headbands and mittens will help ward off the chill. Knitted cables -- a stitching technique form the 16th century that has become a modern-day fashion obsession -- give the pieces an irresistible twist. But if minimalist knitting is more your thing, choose the garter-stitch patterns instead. Just be sure to let your style preference, not your skill set, guide your choice; the cable-work in these projects is so uncomplicated, you can learn to do it in minutes. Needles ready?

Also available in this issue: Garter-Stitch Headband, Cabled Mittens, Garter-Stitch Mittens