April Progress Report // Which was my favourite pen and ink combination?

[@ngm132]

Well, I was going to get up and do chores but it’s raining and there’s this video…I really enjoy currently inked and update videos. You’re very organized. It’s inspiring and oddly soothing. Thanks for this!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Glad I was able to be your entertainment during the rain!

[@mshaunplans]

I enjoy these videos. It gives me inspiration not only to try new inks but not to feel horrible if I do not use one!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Yes absolutely! I learned from Seemownay not to worry about not finishing the inks!

[@connieanderson6339]

I really enjoy watching your monthly progress reports. Thanks for sharing!

[@SalliPlansLife]

I really love the format of your journal and how it truly is a chronological picture of your fountain pen journey.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thank you! I cannot wait to look back on this year and see everything in chronological order.

[@TheSeatedView]

I recently bought my first Esterbrook (the JR)_ and holy moly, it writes like a dream! One of my favourites and may even rival my beloved Sailor ProGear Slim for writing experience. Loved this video - such a good idea to document the experience of different inks in different pens.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

The Esterbrooks are amazing! I feel the same way about my Estie... it's overtaken all the other pens as my favourite!

[@geslinam9703]

I bought so many inks when I got my first fountain pens, all different colors…most of which I never use now. I only like to write with some shade of blue, usually deep, muted blues, blue grays or blue greens or blue blacks. Sailor Manyo Kikyou, Diamine Blue Black, and Iroshizuku Shin Kai mostly.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

You found what you like, and that's great!

[@impish22]

can't wait to watch.. but first coffee !!

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Yay for coffee!

[@theartesana]

I love my Esterbrook Esties! Have you experienced the custom nibs yet?! Lovely presentation ❣️✨

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Not yet! I really want to try the Needlepoint or the Scribe. I love a good architect nib!

[@seemownay]

I really, really love (this whole video but especially) your update at the end of the month. I wish I was this organized. I can keep track of fountain pens ins and outs but the ink samples are so hard to stay on top of. The samples that you "used" - are they all used up? Or given away? Or not in your stash anymore? I think I need to start with a clean slate once I unpacked it all at the new place. (39 more days to go)

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Thanks Simone! The inks are all used up or given away. Some samples I love so much and use the whole vial of, the others I do not plan on using I give away. It helps me keep an eye on my acquisitions and will be helpful knowing what I have tried, what I liked or did not like, etc.

[@epapes730]

I've had my eye on the Estie for a while (Nouvea Blue, Scarlet, Botanical Garden, Petrified Forest - want them all) and after watching this video I'm definitely going to get one. The problem is I just don't know which one

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

So hard to choose! They are all so beautiful!

[@Quiney08]

I have many of the pens you were mentioning seem to be uncomfortable after about a page of writing and I find, for me, the grip sections on those pens are just too narrow. I’ve found grip sections that are at least 10.5 mm are comfortable for me and I can write for longer amounts of time. Pens with grip sections in the 9mm range (which I believe is the case for all the pens you mentioned got uncomfortable) I end up gripping them too tightly and they become uncomfortable after a bit. I wonder if that’s the same thing you’re experiencing?

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

That could be it. It is also the combination of the body as well and how I grip my pen. I find the most comfortable grip sections to be between 10.5-11. Anything narrower is uncomfortable, for sure!

[@candyflosskitten23]

I also find light blues don’t work in my diamond 580 it’s like the ink is too dry for the nib I was using Laban Hermes and it’s so inconsistent which is a shame as I have a bottle 😂 tried a medium nib still couldn’t get it to work

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

That's a shame - I do love those lighter blue inks, too!

[@dashsunil]

Lots of green this month. 😅

[@kschmidt1967]

🤦🏽I just can’t part with any of my pens, even though I should.

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Everyone feels differently about letting go of their pens, and that's not a bad thing!