This mittens were made to match Lenores Scarf. Same yarn, and a custom pattern I made up on-the-fly (not that mittens are that tough) as follows:

1. Started with a toe-up-sock style tip, increased to fit tightly over fingers.
2. Knitted round until the mitten got to my thumb.
3. Set aside thumb stitches.
   1. Placed some stitches (four, I think) on a stitch holder.
   2. Knitted one more round.
   3. At the held stitches, I cast on four new stitches.
   4. Knitted another complete round.
4. Continued in the round on smaller needles to start the inward tapering.
5. A bit of ribbing for the cuff, then cast-off.
6. Picked up the thumb stitches and knitted round, closing it by reducing and then tying it off like a toque.

Then, lather, rinse, repeat! Simple and effective.