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She might have appreciated such a pair of mitts, refined yet not extravagant, on a long beach walk or in a chilly writing room: Harriet Vane, the intellectual, independent novelist starring in some of Dorothy L. Sayers’ Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries. The eccentric amateur sleuth falls in love with her at a time when she cannot possibly accept his proposal. But their paths cross again and again, until Harriet eventually admits her feelings and consents to become Lady Peter Wimsey.

The Novelist’s Mitts are worked in two-colour brioche in the round (for the best effect, choose two colours with high contrast). This small project will keep you interested with all sorts of techniques.

Skills required: Basic knitting techniques (such as casting on, binding off and working in the round over a small circumference), plain brioche ribbing in the round.
Photo tutorials are provided for brioche cables and different types of increases.
The pattern includes full written instructions with specifications for both mitts and two different options for the top. In addition, a separate chart for each mitt is provided.

Size: The pattern is written for one size. At the recommended gauge, the glove measurements (unstretched) are as follows:
Circumference: 16 cm/6¼’’
Length: 20 cm/8’’
Brioche fabric is very stretchy and accommodates a range of hand shapes, but needle size and/or yarn weight can be adjusted as necessary. It’s also possible to add or omit a couple of stitches on the palm and/or back of the hand.

For an introduction to knitting brioche mitts, you may also like to have a look at The Astronomer’s Mitts.

Thank you to Jo Torr for technical editing and to all test knitters for their work and helpful feedback.