Ever since I was a child I have been captivated by the idea of costume. From elegant Parisienne society-ladies wearing delicate black lace gloves and impeccably-cut suits, to wigs and masks in Venice; the elbow-length opera gloves and sumptuous silk dresses in Vienna to the complex woolen mittens of Latvia.

Gloves, together with shoes, hats and hand-bags, are part of that epitome of femininity which can seem so out-of-reach in today’s world. They transport you to the past when ankles were scandalous and wrists provocative.

Designed for a friend who prefers to avoid animal fibres, these fingerless gloves knit up quickly using a cotton-blend worsted weight yarn and feature a simple cable design with additional sparkles in the tops and tails. Knit them to wear whatever the weather – be it a cool summer evening or chilly winter’s afternoon. You can dress them up for formal occasions, or wear them slouchy and low for just mooching around at home. Make a pair in every colour. Once you knit them, you will find that these gloves become a layering essential.