In Planners & Organizers

Planner Review: The Knitter’s Planner 2020

Author Laura CameronPosted on 1 Comment

Review by Laura Cameron

When I saw the ad for The Knitter’s Planner ($48.95) late last year, I knew I needed to buy one to review for The Desk. With the tagline “Knit More Be Happy” how could I not?

The Knitter’s Planner is a somewhat customizable planner designed with knitters in mind. You can choose your cover from 9 available options and receive it spiral bound with some choice on your inserts. Or you can choose it unbound, if you have the perfect cover to fill. Next you can choose your layout; whether you want your weeks to start on Sunday or Monday.  Lastly you can choose any extras you like: page clip ins, gauge rulers, zippered pouches, habit trackers, pen loops and ballpoint pens.

I ordered mine in a fall rush, and received it in mid-December, perfect to get a start to planning the year.

One of the things that appealed to me most about The Knitter’s Planner was the spiral binding. I love that you can open the book to lay flat (even better for lefties!). The pages themselves are approximately 7.5″ x 9.25,” plus the 1″ spiral which means when the planner is open flat it lays approximately 16″ x 9.25.” It’s also approximately 1.25″ thick, which means this isn’t a small book. I confess I’m not sure that it would really feasibly become an EDC for me, but on my desk, I don’t mind the size.

Each month begins with a beautiful shot of knitting or yarn, and an inspirational quote. The months themselves are tabbed, with a monthly spread at the front, followed by weekly spreads. A perk for knitters is that the monthly spreads are pre-populated with important knitting events for 2020! Each monthly spread also features sections on the left for monthly goals, personal projects and knitting projects.

The second reason I chose to try this planner is because of the space allotted for each day (including separate Saturday & Sunday blocks!). I tend to write down my meetings, as well as any daily to dos, and the spots seemed large enough to accommodate my needs. The weekly spreads also allow for washi tape and other decorations as you like as well as a spot for the weekly featured pattern stitches and knitting tips (which the planner provides)!

 

 

Each month ends with some knitter’s graph paper, the perfect place to sketch knitting project ideas!

Following December of 2020, the planner features a few additional sections. There’s a pattern section with 4 patterns from well-known designers, a Projects section where you can plan and track your projects, and a Reference section with some basic knitting reference information. There’s also more graph paper, as well as blank paper and an a pocket at the back of the book.

The cover is laminated, as are the monthly tabs, creating a planner that feels sturdy enough to stand up to a year of use. However, I know what you’re most curious about is the paper and whether it’s fountain pen friendly. The type of paper in the planner isn’t specified, however I can testify that it’s fairly fountain pen friendly. I used a few different pens without significant feathering or bleed through. There was some show through, which I don’t always care for, so I suspect I’ll stick to my ballpoints and fine liners, but the paper will work with fountain pens.

Overall, I think this planner fits into what I need it to. For the past two years I’ve been using the Ruff House Art weekly desk planner every week; it’s the clear winner for something that fits my lifestyle and usage. While the format of The Knitter’s Planner is different, the bonus monthly spreads and tabs, in addition to the similar amounts of space allotted each day lead me to think I’ll get a lot of use out of this one too. Will it replace my Ruff House? Only time will tell, but I’m willing to give this one a try!

DISCLAIMER: The planner included in this review was purchased with my own money for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.

In feature, Ink Review

12 Days of Inkmas: Day 12 – Sailor Studio 264

Author AnaPosted on 2 Comments
12 Days of Inkmas: Day 12 – Sailor Studio 264

By Jessica Coles

I have written several posts about the beautiful Sailor Studio inks over the past few months. These tiny bottles pack so much color inside, plus there are 100 inks in the line! These inks are incredibly fun to collect as well – the minimal packaging and color-coded labels look great lined up together. I received my bottle from Dromgoole’s in Texas (20mL for $18).

Today I’m reviewing Sailor Studio 264 – a light turquoise to teal ink.

I love these glass bottles – the entire Studio line comes in identical square bottles with the color on the label. No wasted space on the shelf, no guessing which ink or the color inside. Simple and functional.

The color of the ink on the lid seems to be a bit more green than the label, but the two seem close in tone.

Sailor Studio 264 is a medium teal that has a touch of a halo in writing.

264 is very close in writing to Pelikan Edelstein Aquamarine although the shading is a bit lighter and 264 has a more subtle sheen.

264 has beautiful shading – not in-your-face type of shading, but very present. I love showing off heavily shading inks to non-fountain pen users since the effect is so noticable.

In heavy swatches, Sailor Studio 264 seems to show more green as it pools. In areas where ink took a longer to dry, a dark halo formed.

On closer inspection I found a hint of sheen in these accumulated pools. I never did see any sheen during normal writing.

Sailor Studio 264 is not watre-proof and dries a bit faster than average, even on Tomoe River paper. I never saw smearing, feathering or bleeding with this ink either.

As with all other inks in the Sailor Studio line, I love 264. I have other inks that are close to this color, but none that shade quite like this in writing.

Tools:

DISCLAIMER: The ink in this review was provided for free for the purposes of this post. All other materials used in this review were purchased by me. Please see the About page for more details.

In Fashionable Friday

Friday Faves: Ana’s December Picks

Author AnaPosted on 1 Comment
Friday Faves: Ana’s December Picks

Friday Faves Dec 2019

  • Fave read: Sourdough by Robin Sloan. I loved Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore and though, at first glance, Sourdough seems like a very similar with its love to something analog in the high tech world of San Francisco.
  • Fave watch: The Mandolorian. I love Star Wars so it was only a matter of time before I freebased the series to date. Since the episodes are only 30 minutes long, it only took two nights.
  • Fave listen: Mostly, I’ve been listening to podcasts. It’s been an eclectic mix of late but my favorites have been The Anthropocene Reviewed and Dolly Parton’s America.
  • Fave eat: Vegan Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats. I modified this recipe slightly. Instead of brown rice syrup, I use Lyle’s Golden Syrup. I think you could replace any thicker sugary syrup, thicker than maple syrup, that is. So, if you have a favorite substitute, I think the recipe will still work fine. I’ve made these with just a drizzle of chocolate on the top but I prefer the chocolate/peanut butter “frosting” layer. I do recommend storing these in the fridge in an airtight container as they can dry out and get crumbly if its really warm. They warm up in room temperature in about 5-10 minutes.
  • Fave drink: Bubly Blackberry. I’ve been trying different sparkling waters as a way to have something “fun” to drink in the middle of the day that is not laced with chemicals. Some sparkling water flavors are better than others. I do own a SodaStream so really, I should make my own but for work, it’s nice to have it in pre-packaged containers.
  • Fave fountain pen: I am currently using two of my fountain pens more than any others. The first is my tried-and-true Caran D’ache 849 with EF nib. I keep it loaded with cartridge roulette and it’s long enough to have a cartridge loaded and a spare in the barrel. It’s perfect for work because it’s a pop top so capping and uncapping is quick for short notes and the cartridges make it easy to refill mid-meeting without too many funny looks. The other pen is my new-to-me Montblanc Rouge et Noir with custom nib grind by Gena of Custom Nib Studio. I remember thinking “why would I ever want a snake pen?” and now I have two. Go figure.
  • Fave ink: I’m still loving the PenBBS #224 Tolstoy It’s hard to acquire this color these days but PenBBS 159 Bitter Herb is pretty close.
  • Fave gel pen: Pilot Hi-Tec C Slim Knock This extra small gel pen fits perfectly inside my Baron Fig Guardian or in the Moment wallet (see below) so that I always have a pen with me. It’s the closest I have to a Fisher Space Pen-style EDC.
  • Fave paper/notebook: Is it self-serving to say that the pocket notebook I use most frequently is my Col-o-ring Oversize? It’s true. I use it to quick swatch new inks, doodle or sketch out various things and surprisingly, after years of thinking I didn’t like spiral bound notebooks, the Oversize is uniquely appealing. The size and form factor make it great tool testing of all sorts, quick visual experiments and the spiarl allow for additional elements to be glued or taped into it without adversely affecting it.
  • Fave EDC bag: Moment Crossbody Wallet I have to thank Jaclyn at Inkpothesis for making me lust after this wallet.
  • Fave analog activity: I’ve been sewing lately. I’ve made some pajama pants, two tops and have been working on a dress. I even made a mini quilt for my cats. CJ loves the mini quilt.

Thanks to my sponsors for providing some of the images I use for Friday Faves. Please consider making your next purchase from one of the shops that support this blog and let them know you heard about them here. Thanks for your support and for supporting the shops that help keep it running.

In Ink Review

Bonus Inkmas Review: Troublemaker Grapevine

Author AnaPosted on Leave a comment
Bonus Inkmas Review: Troublemaker Grapevine

Inkmas 2019In preparation for Inkmas (Who am I kidding? Inkmas was just an excuse to buy a ridiculous amount of ink!), I gathered a lot of new, different inks to have a pool (who am I kidding? To to FILL a pool!) of inks to choose from. One of those inks was the Troublemaker Inks exclusive ink for Shigure Inks: Grapevine ($12 for 60ml plastic bottle). However, we ended up having way more ink options to review than days in Inkmas. Hence, the bonus review.

While Jesi and I continue to debate whether sheening inks are still going to be hot for 2020, I figured I better squeeze in one more review for 2019. Grapevine is a purple ink with a green sheen.

Jesi  has already mentioned the packaging but I agree. I like the simple but elegant paper wrapping with twine over the recyclable plastic bottle. It’s like a gift and yet all materials are recyclable or compostable.

Troublemaker Inks Grapevine writing sample

My initial writing tests on Rhodia paper did not reveal any of the sheening effects that were evident on the swatch card. All I could see on Rhodia paper was a deep grape-y purple.

Troublemaker Inks Grapevine Close-up on Rhodia

Close-up, there is no evidence of the sheening but the ink keeps a clean line with no bleeding or feathering.

Troublemaker Inks Grapevine writing on Tomoe

I decided to go ahead and test the ink on Tomoe River to see if any of the sheening would show up on this notoriously sheen-revealing paper.  The greenish gold glow is immediately evident on this paper even though its a bit more cream in color.

Troublemaker Inks Grapevine close-up on Tomoe River

In close-up, its even more evident.

Troublemaker Inks Grapevine swatch comparison

Comparing the Troublemaker Inks Grapevine  to other inks in my stash, there are two Diamine sheening inks that are comparable: Diamine Robert and Diamine Manggis. For less sheen soaked colors, I would recommend Birmingham Pen Co. Boysenberry or Colorverse Einstein Ring.

Troublemaker Inks Grapevine

In close-up, its easier to see the similarities and differences in the ink hues, and the amount of sheening. Pricewise, all of these inks are pretty comparable though Manggis is a bit harder to acquire in the US as its an exclusive for Pen Gallery in Malaysia and Diamine Robert comes from the UK. At present, these inks may all be difficult to acquire. Or at least require more patience than most of us used to 2-day Prime shipping may be able to bear.

To be honest, all the inks I tried for Inkmas, Grapevine ended up being my favorite. It performed well and the sheening was a nice bonus on appropriate paper.

Tools:

In Link Love

Link Love: Boxing Day

Author AnaPosted on Leave a comment
Link Love: Boxing Day

Celebrate Boxing Day with lots of links today. There’s holiday cheer in Other Interesting Things and some folks are reflecting on 2019 and planning for the new year. What are your plans for the New Year?

Pens:

Ink:

Pencils:

Notebooks & Paper:

Art & Creativity:

Other Interesting Things:

In feature, Ink Review

12 Days of Inkmas: Day 11 – Troublemaker Foxglove

Author Jessica ColesPosted on Leave a comment
12 Days of Inkmas: Day 11 – Troublemaker Foxglove

By Jessica Coles

Inkmas 2019

Welcome to another edition of the 12 days of Inkmas! On day 11, we are looking at another new ink.

Troublemaker Inks did not put out a lonely ink in their newest release – Sea Glass was accompanied by Foxglove. Foxglove is a lovely mediumsaturation violet or lilac colored ink. Like other Troublemaker inks, Foxglove comes in a dark plastic bottle with simple packaging of paper and twine.

One thing needs to be stated before this review goes any further. This is a BEST ink. Why? Because this ink is:

Foxglove is a perfect purple. It shades from a light lilac to a dark grape, with heavy undertones of pinkish-purple and a halo of deep blue.

The shading in Foxglove is reminiscent of Vinta Maskera, but the base color in Foxglove is darker and closer to red. The lightest portions of the ink swatch are quite close to Graf von Faber Castell’s Violet Blue but in writing, the closest match is Sailor Fuji-Musume although Foxglove is slightly darker.

 

In a writing sample, the various colors of Foxglove are easy to see – the title shows many shades of purple while the writing is just a perfect purple.

Even in normal writing, the shading is incredible. Not that Foxglove shades dramatically, but it shows several colors during the shading. Violet to blue to lilac with spots of pink where the ink has pooled most heavily.

Have you ever seen so many purples all in one ink before? Have I mentioned this ink is PURPLE? Perfect purple.

There should be no doubt about purchasing this ink – if you love purple, write with purple, like purple or have ever thought about purple, buy this ink. Perhaps we can get the message to all ink manufacturers that PURPLE is the number one choice for ink.

The drawing below was ripped off from inspired by the artwork on the label of the Foxglove ink bottle.

 

Tools:

DISCLAIMER: All materials used in this review were purchased by me. Please see the About page for more details.

 

In feature, Ink Review

12 Days of Inkmas: Day 10 – Lennon Tool Bar 2019 Autumn Pomelo and PenBBS 342

Author AnaPosted on 1 Comment
12 Days of Inkmas: Day 10 – Lennon Tool Bar 2019 Autumn Pomelo and PenBBS 342

You know how I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect lime green ink since I started this blog? If this is your first ink review here on The Desk, I love lime green and I have been on a decade’s long hunt for the perfect ink that captures this illusive hue. Not too light to be difficult to read but not so dark that it slides into olive or forest green. Needless to say, its a challenge to find the perfect lime ink.

I thought for Inkmas, I’d make another attempt. Initially, I was planning to just review thePen BBS 342 Matcha Ice Cream ($16 for 60ml bottle) and then I decided it might be more interesting to review the Lennon Tool Bar 2019 Pomelo ($24 for 30ml bottle) . Finally, in a moment of indecision, I decided to include them both. They are quite similar in color with some slight differences.

Lenn Tool Bar Pomelo bottle

First, notably is the price. The PenBBS ink is  almost half the price for twice as much ink. All things being similar, that would and should have made my decision for me.

Pen BBS 342 and Lenn Tool Bar Pomelo bottle swatches

In swatches, Lennon Tool Bar is a little lighter overall and slightly more yellow.

Lenn Tool Bar Pomelo Tomoe River writing sample

Once it’s inked up in an EF nib though, the slight differences become almost imperceptible. Both inks appear a bit lighter when wet and dry a bit darker. The both have lovely shading and I expect that in a wider nib, the colors will be a bit darker and the differences in the hues may be more evident.

Pen BBS 342 and Lenn Tool Bar Pomelo writing sample

That said, in identical pens, the Pen BBS ink is a bit drier which might work to your advantage in wider nibs and the Pomelo is a bit wetter. The Lennon Tool Bar makes the line widths of the EF nib appear a but wider.

Lime ink comparison

As you can see, I have quite a few other inks to compare the Matcha Ice Cream and Pomelo against. The Kobe 43 Gakuen Toshi Fresh Green is probably closest in color and, as its a Sailor ink, is probably the most consistent in performance. Robert Oster Sublime is a close second though it may be a bit more vibrant.

Overall, I’d be inclined to either purchase the reasonably priced PenBBS Matcha Ice Cream or stick with the Kobe 43 which is a high quality lubricated ink from a well-known ink producer. Pomelo is lovely but all things being remarkedly similar, it’s not quite worth the price.

Tools:

DISCLAIMER: Some items included in this review were provided free of charge by Vanness Pen Shop for the purpose of review. Please see the About page for more details.