There is nothing nicer on a chilly day than warming your hands up with a steaming cup of your favourite beverage. And with an extra layer of cosy wool between the cup and your palms, you can savour the heat for a little longer.
The cables on these mittens were inspired by the steam curling from the top of a chipped china mug held in the hands of an elderly relative. For a short moment, the steam mixed with exhaled breath to create a fragrant little cloud extending around the strong and weathered hands that gripped the cup. There is a small heart motif hidden on the thumb as a symbol of the love and support of family, one of the greatest blessings we can hope to receive.
This pattern is the second in a collaboration with Eilidh of Stewart Yarns for the release of her Granda’s Collection of BFL Fingering yarn. Bluefaced Leicester is a strong and hard wearing wool with a structure similar to alpaca or mohair. The gentle halo and slight lustre of the fibres creates wonderful stitch definition and is an ideal choice for accessories and garments.

Needle: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) needles.
Yarn: Stewart Yarns BFL Fingering (100% Superwash Bluefaced Leicester; 400m/ 100g); Sample was knitted in “It Might Come In Handy” colourway
Yardage: One pair of mittens used around 70g (280m) of yarn
Gauge: 30 sts and 42 rows in Stocking Stitch over 4” (10cm), knitted in the round
Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle, waste yarn

Many thanks to my team of test knitters, I could not have done this without you!