use tools that you love

Mar 28, 2025

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Even though I’m known for making do with inexpensive, handy solutions, I’ve learned that using tools you truly love can change your whole mindset—and improve your work. Investing in quality tools can save time and money in the long run. Over the years, I’ve realized I deserve something nicer than basic composition books, even if they still have their uses!

Here’s my current notebook collection:

3 notebooks laid out in a row on a mulit brown carpet. Left is blue with a black fountain pen clipped to the side, The middle is lime with a dark grey fountain pen on top. the right has a dark blue notebook with a slightly smaller maroon one on top. This notebook has a lime green fountain pen on top.

Blue Traveler’s Notebook Blue:

This is the newest notebook. Inside, there’s a lightweight paper insert that I first started back in 2017. Today, it serves as my go-to log for all things knitting and crochet. I even tucked in a Hobonichi Weeks memo pad, which acts as a quick reference for key dates I need to remember, CYMK mixing tips, store hours, and even blanket sizes. I needed something that could go anywhere since I knit and crochet everywhere.

Anise Hardcover Goalbook by Rhodia:

This notebook¹ is where my design notes live. I love its extra-fine paper and the pleasing dot grid. I often copy in reference details from my Traveler’s Notebook, keeping all my creative ideas organized.

Dark Blue A5 Namani Seven Seas:

This one is my commonplace book, where I write down memorable quotes and thoughts from the books I read. The dot grid and high-quality paper make it incredibly satisfying to write on, sparking inspiration whenever I flip through its pages. I’ve also practiced my handwriting in this book. I often scribble my thoughts down, but here I take the time to form each letter and word mindfully and neatly.

Maroon B6 Slim Namani Café Note:

Since last October, I’ve been trying out this notebook as a daily journal log. It’s meant to replace my Hobonichi Weeks, and while I’m still experimenting with how I use it, I’m really enjoying it.

What about the pens?

My Lime (black cross) Lamy is a limited edition from 2008. I used to struggle with it because its Lamy EF nib is a bit bolder compared to the delicate touch of a Japanese pen’s EF nib. These days, I’m less worried about tiny, precise writing—the Lamy helps my words flow.

At the end of 2023, I added a TWSBI to my collection out of curiosity about its spring-loaded piston converter. It’s also a delight to write with.

Then there’s the smoky grey pen, an inexpensive gem from about a decade ago. It’s hard to believe, but I just checked my order details and it was only $3.45! This pen is the one most likely to go out and about with me. If I were to loose it, yes I’d be sad but it’s not as prescious.

Investing in tools you love isn’t about having fancy things that looks pretty on social media. It’s about setting yourself up for success by surrounding yourself with things that make your creative process smoother and more enjoyable.

I still have a few notebooks available at the PSG Studio shop. ↩︎