Benmiller Rendezvous mitts were designed for Shall We Knit’s retreat held in Benmiller, ON in November 2017, using the featured yarn that attendees received in their goodie bag. Janelle Martin and I were challenged to each design new pattern using the same yarn. She created the pretty “S Curve” buttoned cowl.

Benmiller mitts are knit top-down, starting with the thumbs. Thumbs are worked in the round, and a gusset is formed with short rows. The thumb is put aside while the hand is started, and then joined to the palm as the mitt is worked down the hand. A little shaping at the wrist creates an hourglass fit, and then cuffs are worked to a generous length (additional length can be added if desired, but of course, additional yardage would be needed). Throughout the mitt, a channel is created down the back of the hand where I-cord drawstrings can later be threaded through, to gently gather the mitt and provide a pretty, soft detail.

The Superior cashmere isn’t expressly necessary to complete the mitts, but it adds a lovely rich softness to the fabric. A slightly more budget-friendly choice could be achieved with Rowan’s Kidsilk Haze or other lace weight yarn with some loft and fuzz.

Drawstrings in the sample shown are worked in Superior, but may be made of another yarn or a narrow ribbon or cording could be used.

Mitts are worked in the round, you may use dpns, two circulars or magic loop as is your preference. An extra set of dpns are needed briefly to join the thumb to the hand - short dpns (4”/10cm) are recommended for this.