What's in my tool kit?
From left to right: My 2025 Hobonichi Cousin, my traveler's notebook, and my 2026 Hobonichi Weeks
Writing & Planning 
- Obsidian - I gave up Google Keep and Notion about a year and a half ago in favor of Obsidian. It's a fairly robust notes app that can be customized to better suit your needs. I find that the base app works just as well for what I need. I've been using it more often now that I'm blogging.
- TRAVELER'S notebook - Sometimes, I prefer to write the good old fashion way, because that's the only way I can get my thoughts down on paper and because my eyes could really use a break from looking at screens all day. It's not precious, and I like that about it. I chuck it in my bag and pull it out whenever I want to jot something down.
- Hobonichi Cousin - I've used a Hobonichi Cousin as my journal for the past 5 years. In that time, it worked out pretty well for me. Recently, though, I haven't been using it. I'll be trying the Hobonichi Weeks in the new year.
- Uni Jetstream 4&1 Multi Pen - This is hands down one of my favorite pens to use. I like that this one also has a mechanical pencil, for drawing when I'm on the go.
Left: Knitting needles and my current project, Right: My various notions and the bag I carry them in
Knitting
- Lykke Color 5" Interchangeable Needle Set - This was the first needle set I ever bought for myself. I bought them entirely on a whim. They hold a special place in my heart, because I learned how to knit using them. I still knit with them from time to time, but I wouldn't say they're my favorite needles.
- Chiagoo Twist 5" Interchangeable Needle Set - These are my favorite needles to knit with. Although, in hindsight, I wish I had bought them in a shorter size. It turns out it's pretty difficult to knit hats with 5" needles.
- Notions - tapestry scissors, measuring tape, tapestry needles of varying sizes, crochet hook, row counter, and so many stitch markers
My sketchbook and pencil case.
Drawing
- Leuchtturm Sketchbook - I've had this sketchbook for about 3 years. I'm surprised that I managed to keep it for as long as I have without throwing it out. It's been a while since I had a sketchbook I actually sketched in. It's a mess to look at, but that's how it should be.
- Prisma Premier Colored Pencils - I only ever sketch using colored pencil. Regular graphite pencils don't cut it for me - they're too boring. I've tried other pencils, like the Prisma Col-Erase pencils, but they're so unpleasant to draw with.
- Procreate - I primarily work digitally, because it's convenient and, if I'm honest, I'm too much of a perfectionist to work any other way. I've been using Procreate for years and I haven't found a better alternative.
- Pencil case - multi-pen, eraser, sharpener, lead, highlighter, and colored pencil