From the pattern:

These gloves are a modern reference to knitting’s long-term relationship with fishermen. The “Whale Spine” cable that travels up the back of the hand is inspired by Matthew Barney’s Drawing Restraint 9, a contemporary art-film piece about two occidental tourists who meet on the world’s last working whaling ship. Since I threw back plenty of beers with fishermen in my hometown of Bradenton, FL., I added some seed stitching on the palm to help with cracking open a cold one.

Pattern calls for two of each size circular needle.

Also Needed: Cable Needle, Waste Yarn, Stitch Holders