Thinking back to my childhood, I remember being scolded while shopping with my mom for touching every little thing that I would walk past in the store.

 “Hands to yourself, missy!” 

The only thing going through my mind was that I just wanted to feel and touch things - texture was just too intriguing. I was willing to take the heat just to find out what that fancy make up brush felt like, or to pick up those suede shoes lingering on the sale rack, and of course, reaching out for the knitted sweaters and scarves. 

Fast forward a few years: here I am as an adult finding myself still completely obsessed with texture. Twisted stitches, ribbing, cables… you name it and I’ve knit it. There’s something especially satisfying when I stop to admire my work and savor the sweet combination of a pattern mixed with the perfectly selected yarn. To start the year off with just the right amount of woolly sensations - here are 5 new textured knits from January that will allow you to fall into a rhythm as you move along the pattern, creating an irresistible feel as the yarn runs through your fingers.

Winter Morning Socks, by Jess Povenmire

My feet are forever frozen in the winter and these worsted weight, cabled socks would be a quick way to warm up. I envision digging through my scraps for a fun secondary color.

Penelope Cowl, by Margeaux Hufnagel

I notice that my most worn knits tend to be cowls. This lofty cowl would be perfect to grab on the way out for a bike ride, first friday stroll, or helping you work your way towards warmer weather in the spring.

Honeybush Tea, by Clare Devine

Mitts have always been one of my favorite projects - a quick, instant gratification project with just enough fun construction to keep your mind engaged while knitting. With this pattern, it feels like one could fall into a meditative, soothing rhythm as they knit up.

Zest, by  Nadia Crétin-Léchenne

Take this pattern with you on the next trip to the yarn store to find two complimentary colors to color block a textured pull over. A staple in anyones wardrobe.

Intervolve, by Deepika

It’s always good to have a hat on the needles - and this one should be at the top of your project list. I’m digging how the two sides of the cable have a different look, making the cable even more braided and three dimensional.

Written by Emily Brewer, a knitting analogue photographer who has worked on and off in the knitting industry for 7 years for yarn shops, dyers and designers. Find her on Instagram as @tinydotsfibers and view her other work at www.tntypes.com and www.ejbrewer.com