When I was first learning to write in cursive, we used fountain pens. I know, it sounds like something out of the Victorian era, but it’s true. I’ve always maintained a fondness for fountain pens, but they’re quite difficult to find in the States.
Try going into a Staples and looking for one. Oh, you might find a nice Cross Fountain Pen, but I tend to lose things, so that’s not an option. Also, people always ask to borrow pens, and if you’re a real fountain pen person, you know that the nib adjusts to your writing, so you NEVER lend your fountain pen. EVER.
When I was in Montreal, I remembered having bought a set of disposable fountain pens and a great pad of paper there a number of years ago. Although I could neither remember the name of the store, or find it again, it gave me the tiny little push I needed to hunt for fountain pens again.
The first set I bought because I couldn’t resist the name: Platinum Preppy! The set came in seven colours of ink, which was a huge change from my childhood, black, blue-black or blue ink. They’re Japanese, as so many fun things are,and come in a fine point. The colours are great, except yellow, which you can barely see!
Then I bought a set of Thornton's Fountain Pens which had a fine nib. Again with the yellow! If I buy these again, I think I will get a medium nib instead of fine. 
I am thrilled that I’ve once again discovered fountain pens and that they don’t leak and feather on the paper like in the old days.
I have one (expensive) fountain pen and I've seen some less expensive ones at a store here in Victoria, B.C. and also one I regularly go to in Vancouver.
ReplyDeleteLucky you!
DeleteHello Meg, I have been through many set of colored pens and pencils, and have similarly wondered about the yellow color, which (except for highlighters) is always invisible or nearly so.
ReplyDelete--Jim
I have such a collection of coloured pens and pencils. It's a disease.
DeleteMy husband has a beautiful Mont Blanc. Although not as pricey, I treasure my pens more. My dad gave them to me when I was still in high school. The pens must be over 70 years old. I still remember the first pen I bought (long gone). It was a "cartridge" pen. I chose it to learn cursive in third grade (a required school supply). It was emerald green. Susan
ReplyDeleteI remember cartridge pens! You could sometimes find peacock blue.
DeleteMe too! Loved that peacock blue, but my teachers hated it.
DeleteThis is great. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome.
DeleteGood pens are a wonderful thing. I always look for something nice when writing thank-you notes, particularly. People email me after receiving them to remark upon the good handwriting (which looks better because of the pen used.)
ReplyDeleteI think it does elevate your hand-writing.
DeletePeg, try Fahrney's in DC. I think they still even repair fountain pens!
ReplyDeleteI used to get their catalogue, but not any more. Must remedy that. I think that there's also a place just across from Columbia Mall for ink and paper. On my list for the weekend.
DeleteHello Meg, I've been collecting fountain pens for years and finally have close to 60: cartridge as well as bladder, dip, and desk sets + a quill and a portable dip - really cool. We need to talk . . . Rosemary
ReplyDeleteIn 6th grade we were supposed to use only cartridge ink pens; being both clumsy and left handed it was a great trial not to drag my hand though the wet ink. Peacock blue was so desired, but not allowed in school - had to be blue or "blue black" what ever that is...... Anyway, it was so hard and looking back needlessly cruel to add complications to that dreadful pre-adolescent year!
ReplyDeleteThese new colors look fun though....
ceci