The Brympton eBook contains the pattern for both mitts and cowl.
These simple fingerless mitts can be made from one skein of yarn with a matching cowl.
Pattern includes full written instructions and would be a good project for someone new to knitting in the round.

If you plan to make both mitts and cowl, I recommend making the mitts first. That way, you can make the cowl as long as your remaining yarn.