I completely get this urge to rein oneself in...and as you saw, I've been practicing "catch and release" when I go shopping. More pictures, fewer purchases! I love the visceral in-person experience of shopping, which is far more about seeking the treasures, looking at cool things, than it is about Buying All The Things.
Whenever I get deep into a new hobby (and make no mistake, I am a dabbler!), I also tend to go overboard and stock up on supplies...like what I have isn't going to last! What if I run out? It's hard not to give in and buy more!
I hear ya on Notes - I only view "For you" or whatever the fuck they call it, and I Mute anyone who doesn't appeal to me. I try to post there a couple of times a week, just to fish around for potential readers or folks who only Follow me (vs. Subscribe), but my main goal is always to get through my longform reads in my Subscriptions tab. Sort of a "no dessert till you've had your dinner" method. No random Notes scrolling until I've read all my essays. It kinda works.
Yes, I love your commitment to shopping in person! I’m still working on my own approach; it’s almost like I have to practice and strengthen a new skill, because shopping in person feels a lot different than shopping online, to me anyway.
And honestly, that’s one reason why I try not to pick up a lot of hobbies: I just know it’s something that will gradually take up more space. I’ve actually been pretty good at keeping hobbies in check while still allowing myself to enjoy them—I have puzzles and crochet stuff but not so much that it’s overflowing or anything.
I love the idea of “no dessert til you’ve had your dinner”! Unfortunately for me, I have a LOT of dinner saved…!!!
I just can’t shop online - forget “touch grass”, I need to “touch textile!” Also, online almost feels too easy, you know? Like shooting fish in a barrel! Everything is good!
Yeah, I try to limit my hobbies now. I want to get back into the leather drawing/illustrating, but work/life get in the way. In January, I plan to drop to 3 days a week at my job so hopefully that will give me more time to get back to it.
I'm of two minds about notes. Sometimes I wish they didn't exist so this platform could solely focus on long form content because there are already so many other versions of notes already, but other times I see a note I like and I think they're not so bad.
It is hard to completely eradicate the desire for newness, especially if you live in an urban area filled with shops and people who love flaunting their new purchases, but at least we can change our relationships with consumption. Sounds like you're on the right track :)
Also, fully agree with your last bottom note! August has only just begun and September still isn't too cold in most places. Summer is still very much here!
Seriously! Re: summer, it feels hotter than ever right now, and living in the desert, I’m telling myself it’s game time, because these are the most miserable months of the year for us.
Thank you for the encouragement! It really does feel like I’m doing ok, just need to focus more on my state of mind rather than numbers.
As for notes… you know what I was thinking, after I published this? I wonder how often it is that the notes we like are thoughts we have had and/or already agree with, rather than learning something new or being exposed to a different POV. I guess what I’m saying is, it has an echo chamber aspect to it (which I have also been rewarded by, to be fair!).
Oh yes, I guess you've got a ways to go before it starts feeling cold in the desert! My summer is more limited but I'm still nowhere near ready to say it's almost over. I'm thinking we still have a good month and a half of warmth up here, and that's not almost over in my books.
There's definitely an echo chamber aspect, but I guess that's true for any form of social media. But that's my thing ... do we need Substack to be another form of X/threads/bluesky and even IG to an extent when all of those already exist? Still, we all find ourselves playing the game to some extent so it doesn't feel like we're writing into the void 🥲
Ah slowing down and making space to create, enjoying the twists and turns that come with it is so rewarding. If the price is less content, I’m very happy with that. I don’t mean that specifically directed at you, I mean overall.
I want to be able to opt out of mass swathes of posts on a specific topic that last for a week, which are repetitive and unoriginal. Algorithms reward conformity.
I was just about to type out, “Oh, that would be great to opt out of certain topics,” and then I remembered that you CAN do that 😂 or at least I have in the past—I think I got sick of seeing so many people mention Paris fashion week or something. Can’t remember exactly how right now though…
Yes to quitting apps that just want your money! 👏🏼 Thank you again for the shout out. It's seriously so freeing! Like you, I find the times I do go back in and browse around via the laptop just don't hit the same. And also, the prickly sellers and Posh-scammers are running rampant🙈
It's wild, I think we're the same person this summer? Less writing, less online shopping, more sewing...I've been sewing up a storm! We'll definitely need a follow up with your pattern reviews and recommendations. I have so many in my stash right now to the point of embarrassment😂 BTW, I don't say this lightly, but I NEED THAT HORSE FABRIC BAD!
And about notes: YES. I'm sick to death of them, and I also feel like a "bad Substacker" if I don't participate? * sigh * That's the trouble with the attention economy, I suppose.
I mean, at this point I guess I should thank that Poshmark seller—clearly I didn’t love the thing more than my pride 😆
And that’s amazing re: your summer sewing! I’m so curious, what would you make with the horse fabric? It’s such a fun print but I think it’s kind of opened my eyes to the fact that I do love prints… as long as the print is stripes or checks. I’m learning, at least!
Notes can be fun. I suppose it is like anything else, finding the right balance and paying attention to what feels good vs what doesn’t. Thank you again for your work—seriously, I never thought I would break away from thredup!
My first inclination is to make a bag. Although, I already made a loud-print-ish bag and I'm planning on making a smaller version. TOO MANY BAGS! But I'm getting into patch working, so it might be fun quilted, or perhaps a fun lining? I love a plain garment that looks boring on the outside then when you open it up, BAM! Print city.
Getting hard to dodge the "same person" allegations--I literally just saved that pattern earlier today, because their promo pictures are too cute! Thanks for reading my mind I guess! lol
feel you on the Notes ennui. This post inspired me to toggle it to “Following”, low effort doing-something-about-it… I’m glad your crazy pants note got a lot of eyes on it though. It’s nice to see originality rewarded :)
Thank you! Everything in moderation, right? It’s a difficult balance because Following gives you fewer opportunities to discover new voices—your follows have to do the work of sharing new things to your feed!
deeply torn about notes but when i say i’m torn i mean i am welllllll aware they’re bad for me like eating the whole tub of ben & jerry’s in one go and i WILL feel sick when im done …
I hear that. I think I just see so many recycled and uncredited ideas there, when I wish it was better employed for sharing and discovery—but strangely, I get the sense that Restacks kinda get buried by the feed? Idk man
This is such an interesting point. I recently switched from 'following' to 'for you' in notes and I'm seeing people take IG memes and write them out so it seems like they're the original author. Now I wonder how many times I've liked a note that's an uncredited idea from someone else.
That’s infuriating to me!! It’s like spitting in the face of the people who do the work. It’s so uncomfortable and I feel completely twisted up when I’ve had to do it, but I think we should call that behavior out when we see it.
I love a great visual, but I'm trying to stop engaging with people whose notes are full of uncredited images of other people. It only takes a minute to credit the creator!
Omg, thank you for reading, my sweet friend! I thought about killing it every minute til I posted it—I’m super in my head lately, clearly. I see the churros!
I get that! I try to stick to exclusively style content in my newsletter and the way life is right now, it's really not a priority (thinking about style). But I'm trying to be an honest writer, even if a repetitive one. And just like you, AI ain't touching my shit.
Agree with the contrast edge paint on bags. It looks like the bag was glued together? I feel you on Notes. It's as much of a time suck as other social media algorithm-based scrolling. I thought not doing it on Tiktok and IG made me superior but am just migrating my hot mess scrolling to SS! OK my app is about to time out now lol
Oh, that app timer… only occasionally effective for me! It is funny, isn’t it, the moral superiority that comes with this platform, when it’s really just like any of the other ones in essence?
This is the second time in about 2 weeks that I’ve seen someone sewing the Dance pants! Perhaps a sign from the universe that I should also make them?!
Technically haven’t worn the pants out yet—I came down with a cold, so maybe having a literal red nose is the wrong first time to wear clowny pants—but I’m certainly happy with the results. Good pattern!
What you write about Substack is so relatable. It can be so easy to get caught up in feeling you have to post whether or not you feel inspired. And that kills all creativity. Which was also part of why I ended up taking a couple of months of both from writing and posting. I'm happy to be back, but I have to be careful how I manage it. Substack shouldn't become yet another obligation - it's for fun!
Ephemera that's not about me? Outrageous!
I completely get this urge to rein oneself in...and as you saw, I've been practicing "catch and release" when I go shopping. More pictures, fewer purchases! I love the visceral in-person experience of shopping, which is far more about seeking the treasures, looking at cool things, than it is about Buying All The Things.
Whenever I get deep into a new hobby (and make no mistake, I am a dabbler!), I also tend to go overboard and stock up on supplies...like what I have isn't going to last! What if I run out? It's hard not to give in and buy more!
I hear ya on Notes - I only view "For you" or whatever the fuck they call it, and I Mute anyone who doesn't appeal to me. I try to post there a couple of times a week, just to fish around for potential readers or folks who only Follow me (vs. Subscribe), but my main goal is always to get through my longform reads in my Subscriptions tab. Sort of a "no dessert till you've had your dinner" method. No random Notes scrolling until I've read all my essays. It kinda works.
Yes, I love your commitment to shopping in person! I’m still working on my own approach; it’s almost like I have to practice and strengthen a new skill, because shopping in person feels a lot different than shopping online, to me anyway.
And honestly, that’s one reason why I try not to pick up a lot of hobbies: I just know it’s something that will gradually take up more space. I’ve actually been pretty good at keeping hobbies in check while still allowing myself to enjoy them—I have puzzles and crochet stuff but not so much that it’s overflowing or anything.
I love the idea of “no dessert til you’ve had your dinner”! Unfortunately for me, I have a LOT of dinner saved…!!!
I just can’t shop online - forget “touch grass”, I need to “touch textile!” Also, online almost feels too easy, you know? Like shooting fish in a barrel! Everything is good!
Yeah, I try to limit my hobbies now. I want to get back into the leather drawing/illustrating, but work/life get in the way. In January, I plan to drop to 3 days a week at my job so hopefully that will give me more time to get back to it.
Ooh, that’s exciting!! Closer and closer to closing that chapter entirely, eh?
Yup, 23 months till retirement is my goal. Then, more writing! More introspection and style review! I’m excited!
I'm of two minds about notes. Sometimes I wish they didn't exist so this platform could solely focus on long form content because there are already so many other versions of notes already, but other times I see a note I like and I think they're not so bad.
It is hard to completely eradicate the desire for newness, especially if you live in an urban area filled with shops and people who love flaunting their new purchases, but at least we can change our relationships with consumption. Sounds like you're on the right track :)
Also, fully agree with your last bottom note! August has only just begun and September still isn't too cold in most places. Summer is still very much here!
Seriously! Re: summer, it feels hotter than ever right now, and living in the desert, I’m telling myself it’s game time, because these are the most miserable months of the year for us.
Thank you for the encouragement! It really does feel like I’m doing ok, just need to focus more on my state of mind rather than numbers.
As for notes… you know what I was thinking, after I published this? I wonder how often it is that the notes we like are thoughts we have had and/or already agree with, rather than learning something new or being exposed to a different POV. I guess what I’m saying is, it has an echo chamber aspect to it (which I have also been rewarded by, to be fair!).
Oh yes, I guess you've got a ways to go before it starts feeling cold in the desert! My summer is more limited but I'm still nowhere near ready to say it's almost over. I'm thinking we still have a good month and a half of warmth up here, and that's not almost over in my books.
There's definitely an echo chamber aspect, but I guess that's true for any form of social media. But that's my thing ... do we need Substack to be another form of X/threads/bluesky and even IG to an extent when all of those already exist? Still, we all find ourselves playing the game to some extent so it doesn't feel like we're writing into the void 🥲
Totally get what you mean. I also hate that it’s so common to share images without crediting them! Very Pinterest coded (derogatory)
Ah slowing down and making space to create, enjoying the twists and turns that come with it is so rewarding. If the price is less content, I’m very happy with that. I don’t mean that specifically directed at you, I mean overall.
I want to be able to opt out of mass swathes of posts on a specific topic that last for a week, which are repetitive and unoriginal. Algorithms reward conformity.
I was just about to type out, “Oh, that would be great to opt out of certain topics,” and then I remembered that you CAN do that 😂 or at least I have in the past—I think I got sick of seeing so many people mention Paris fashion week or something. Can’t remember exactly how right now though…
Yes to quitting apps that just want your money! 👏🏼 Thank you again for the shout out. It's seriously so freeing! Like you, I find the times I do go back in and browse around via the laptop just don't hit the same. And also, the prickly sellers and Posh-scammers are running rampant🙈
It's wild, I think we're the same person this summer? Less writing, less online shopping, more sewing...I've been sewing up a storm! We'll definitely need a follow up with your pattern reviews and recommendations. I have so many in my stash right now to the point of embarrassment😂 BTW, I don't say this lightly, but I NEED THAT HORSE FABRIC BAD!
And about notes: YES. I'm sick to death of them, and I also feel like a "bad Substacker" if I don't participate? * sigh * That's the trouble with the attention economy, I suppose.
I mean, at this point I guess I should thank that Poshmark seller—clearly I didn’t love the thing more than my pride 😆
And that’s amazing re: your summer sewing! I’m so curious, what would you make with the horse fabric? It’s such a fun print but I think it’s kind of opened my eyes to the fact that I do love prints… as long as the print is stripes or checks. I’m learning, at least!
Notes can be fun. I suppose it is like anything else, finding the right balance and paying attention to what feels good vs what doesn’t. Thank you again for your work—seriously, I never thought I would break away from thredup!
My first inclination is to make a bag. Although, I already made a loud-print-ish bag and I'm planning on making a smaller version. TOO MANY BAGS! But I'm getting into patch working, so it might be fun quilted, or perhaps a fun lining? I love a plain garment that looks boring on the outside then when you open it up, BAM! Print city.
That’s funny, I was thinking lining for a bag!! Haven’t made a bag yet though. Do you have some favorite patterns?
As a matter of fact, Blackbird Fabrics’ Bestie Bag was SUUUUPER fun to make and it’s my new go-to carryall! I made the medium style and it’s the perfect size for a book, water bottle, and everything else. I’m gonna do the mini version next. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1788516607/bestie-bag-pdf-download-digital-sewing?ref=share_ios_native_control
Getting hard to dodge the "same person" allegations--I literally just saved that pattern earlier today, because their promo pictures are too cute! Thanks for reading my mind I guess! lol
😆😆😆 TWIIIINS!
feel you on the Notes ennui. This post inspired me to toggle it to “Following”, low effort doing-something-about-it… I’m glad your crazy pants note got a lot of eyes on it though. It’s nice to see originality rewarded :)
Thank you! Everything in moderation, right? It’s a difficult balance because Following gives you fewer opportunities to discover new voices—your follows have to do the work of sharing new things to your feed!
Amiga, don’t stop you are doing amazing!! You have talent my friend!
😘😘😘
deeply torn about notes but when i say i’m torn i mean i am welllllll aware they’re bad for me like eating the whole tub of ben & jerry’s in one go and i WILL feel sick when im done …
I hear that. I think I just see so many recycled and uncredited ideas there, when I wish it was better employed for sharing and discovery—but strangely, I get the sense that Restacks kinda get buried by the feed? Idk man
This is such an interesting point. I recently switched from 'following' to 'for you' in notes and I'm seeing people take IG memes and write them out so it seems like they're the original author. Now I wonder how many times I've liked a note that's an uncredited idea from someone else.
That’s infuriating to me!! It’s like spitting in the face of the people who do the work. It’s so uncomfortable and I feel completely twisted up when I’ve had to do it, but I think we should call that behavior out when we see it.
I love a great visual, but I'm trying to stop engaging with people whose notes are full of uncredited images of other people. It only takes a minute to credit the creator!
Truly!
Oh, Angela, you mercurial bitch! Thanks for this really GOOD read! 😄🙏🏽
Omg, thank you for reading, my sweet friend! I thought about killing it every minute til I posted it—I’m super in my head lately, clearly. I see the churros!
I get that! I try to stick to exclusively style content in my newsletter and the way life is right now, it's really not a priority (thinking about style). But I'm trying to be an honest writer, even if a repetitive one. And just like you, AI ain't touching my shit.
I love your Notes, actually! I definitely do get the honesty in them—I can tell you’re just sharing from your real life.
At first glance, the cactus looked like churros to me, so that's my state of mind.
Agree with the contrast edge paint on bags. It looks like the bag was glued together? I feel you on Notes. It's as much of a time suck as other social media algorithm-based scrolling. I thought not doing it on Tiktok and IG made me superior but am just migrating my hot mess scrolling to SS! OK my app is about to time out now lol
Oh, that app timer… only occasionally effective for me! It is funny, isn’t it, the moral superiority that comes with this platform, when it’s really just like any of the other ones in essence?
Yep. I've been humbled by this app!
This is the second time in about 2 weeks that I’ve seen someone sewing the Dance pants! Perhaps a sign from the universe that I should also make them?!
Technically haven’t worn the pants out yet—I came down with a cold, so maybe having a literal red nose is the wrong first time to wear clowny pants—but I’m certainly happy with the results. Good pattern!
What you write about Substack is so relatable. It can be so easy to get caught up in feeling you have to post whether or not you feel inspired. And that kills all creativity. Which was also part of why I ended up taking a couple of months of both from writing and posting. I'm happy to be back, but I have to be careful how I manage it. Substack shouldn't become yet another obligation - it's for fun!