Chicago Pen Show 2022 (via Pen Addict - Sarah). While I missed Sarah at the show, she did buy the John Twiss pen I was eyeing at Sarj’s table. Thank goodness that pen went home with somebody!
Chicago Pen Show 2022 Recap (via Pen Addict - Kimberly). As always, Kimberly put together a thorough, comprehensive review of the Chicago show, particularly the food and after-hours option. Honestly, Chicago might be the best “food show” I’ve attended, in terms of the number of options within walking distance.
Esterbrook Estie Oversize (Candy) with Kirk Speer Needlepoint Nib (via Macchiato Man). I always enjoy reading Yagan’s incredibly thorough reviews, including this review of the recently released Esterbrook Estie “Candy”. The colors aren't necessarily my thing, but objectively I think it looks great. I also have one of the needlepoints that I’m in the process of reviewing.
ScriBo Rosso Chianti (via Dapprman). Just a regular reminder that I need to dip back into my ScriBo Inks.
London Nootropics Coffee (via KraftyKats). I’m not necessarily referring you to this post for the coffee review (thought I’m sure it’s good), but for the overarching observation about how pen people are coffee people. Spend any amount of time at a pen club or pen show and you’ll realize it’s definitely true.
Tiny Pen, Huge Heart: Platinum Pocket Pen (via a fleeting ripple). I’ve seen these pens before at shows, and they’re a lot of fun, though they’ve not attracted the same cult-like attention as pens like the Pilot Myu and M90.
Tono & Lims Protect U (via Fountain Pen Pharmacist). All of the inks from this series are beautiful, but very light in color and not something that I could necessarily use due to readability concerns. Tono & Lims continues to expand their massive lineup!
LInk Love: The Kitten Edition (via Well-Appointed Desk). This article needs no further introduction.
In Case You Missed It….
This week on the blog, I published a short recap titled “Five Takeaways from the 2022 Chicago Pen Show,” discussing my experiences and observations. Based on some samples I picked up at that show, I reviewed the new Sanzen Tomoe River Paper, from the first batch of reissued paper following the discontinuation of the original, much loved fountain pen friendly Japanese paper.
New This Week in the Curated Shop
This week saw the release of the 70th Anniversary 3-Year and 5-Year Midori MD Diaries, though I only have the 5-year versions left in stock. Possibly, there will be more on the way, though no guarantees. I also have restocked on all Traveler’s Notebooks, refills, and accessories, as well as most sizes of Midori MD Paper. Finally, we have a full shipment of TWSBI Swipes in all the various colors, all other models such as the 580 and the ECO, and as of today, the latest releases from Caran d’Ache, including the 849 .7mm Mechanical Pencil in Black Code, Gold Bar, and Brut Rosé finishes.
Interested in Joining a Pen Club? Reach Out!
So I’m actively involved in two different pen clubs, the Middle Tennessee Fountain Pen Club, which meets every Saturday at 12:30, and the T.G.S. Patreon Program, which I run and which has become an online pen club of sorts holding meetups via Zoom every third Saturday (or thereabouts) at 8:00pm U.S. Central Time. If you’re in the Nashville area, and interested in participating in an active pen group with a lot of wonderful, interesting people, feel free to reach out to me via the site for details, or join the Facebook group.
Pen clubs are great because they provide an opportunity not only to meet like-minded people, but to try new stuff and see pens/inks/paper in person without having to buy it yourself. You can also easily coordinate things like group buys, ink sample swaps, and even mini-pen shows!