Our Tangential and Extraneous Year in Review! | Pencast 117

[@crystalca9082]

I originally came for the pen info, but stayed for the laughs and conversation. You guys are the perfect start to every weekend and I always look forward to coffee with my pen friends.

[@Gouletpens]

Coffee in a teacup, right?? ;) - Drew

[@Stitchxavi]

@@Gouletpensthose famous photos always look so amazing

[@darlenesluder3038]

I rarely get to listen to/watch a Pencast wholecloth but usually get through each one in 20-30 minute increments, so I'm probably playing havoc with your yt stats. Thank you for the sanity space in these crazy times.

[@ravenzanne]

Listening to Brian's hammer segment made me realize what the experience of listening to the Pencast is like. When I was a child, I would occasionally join my father to run an errand at the local independent hardware store in our small town. My father would hang out at the front desk, jarring a while with the staff about tools and shenanigans while I had free reign to explore the store to my heart's content. That is an experience that you don't often find these days amidst large chain stores. The Goulet Pen Company may not have a brick and mortar presence, but this Pencast gives me the same joy as listening to folks deep dive on their curiousities and passions, while letting me in on exploring the new shiney pens in the store. Look forward to more Pencasts in 2024.

[@Gouletpens]

That was a delightful thing to read. It's a pleasure to be a part of such a thing. Thank you! - Drew

[@tiantuatara]

Ranting about nerdy things - that is one big reason why I watch you guys. Not like I've never ranted about nerdy things myself ;-)

[@prophetessoftroy]

Speaking as someone who sews, older machines tend to be absolute BEASTS. They'll stand up to all kinds of abuse and are ultimately way better to learn on (and will serve most sewists longer) than any newer machine will. Think of it kind of like the difference between learning to drive an automatic versus a manual. The automatic is easier to pick up, but even though the learning curve is steeper, if you can drive a manual, you can literally drive anything. The curve will be steeper, but learning on a well-maintained older machine would be worth it. Anyway, Happy New Year, y'all!

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for the insight! - Drew

[@TheWanderingFire]

Those hats! Attach some shamrocks to the brim and you can bring them back for St Patrick's Day! ☘️ Happy New Year, wishing Brian, Drew, and everyone at Goulet Pens all the best in 2024! 🎉

[@blondescales1]

The non-pen shenanigans are more memorable because they are far more entertaining.

[@SolangeGarnier]

I remember laughing so hard when you imagined Brian having to explain his wood graves ("I also sell pens!"). I think everybody loves the tomfooleries, Brian's hammers, Drew's sewing projet and it WORKS because only the two can pull this off and keep us hooked week after week. It's your spontaneous, caring and truly gentle way of being and your dynamic that's the magic ingredient (at least for me). Here's to 2024 tomfooleries and many many more Pencasts 💙

[@Gouletpens]

EEEeeeee! You're making me smile! Thank you!!! It's a pleasure and a delight. - Drew

[@Sanosarah]

It is so healing to hear the way you both talk about your kids. 😭😭😭 You guys are both angels.

[@EmperorLeyba]

I love this epic Hammer Finale. It's the perfect wrap up for the year, thank you!!

[@ArianeTobin]

I bought my first fountain pen on the 4th of May, I started listening to the pencast on the 16th of May. It has been quite the rabbit hole and I've listened to every episode of the pencast as well as innumerable of your other videos on youtube. I now have a lovely collection of pens and have made so many penfriends online and in real life. It seems fitting that I was able to end 2023 with my first order with you guys, a beautiful Benu Earl Grey and other bits. I'm delighted to be able to support the business after hours of listening and watching - thank you Brian, Drew and all the Team - best wishes for 2024! Ariane P.s. It really helps that you have the shipping, taxes etc sorted and I know exactly what I'm spending as it adds up when shipping to Ireland!

[@Gouletpens]

Wow! We're so thrilled that you found us! Thank you!!! - Drew

[@jameskerr-mz4om]

Thanks for including the photo of Brian’s hammers. What a collection! When I moved away from home after college, my dad sent me off with a terrific old wooden handled hammer and Phillips screwdriver from his own bunch of tools. 50 years later, I am still using those tools - they feel great, are so well made and let me remember my father most fondly. Talk about a present that keeps on giving! I have a passion for all kinds of hand tools, especially my culinary hand tools: various wooden spoons, spatulas & rolling pins, whisks of every size, old egg beaters, good knives and wooden cutting/pastry boards … all well loved, handy to reach and used daily. Then, there are fountain pens! From my school days, when I used the basic Sheaffer and Parker models to better pens with more interesting nibs when I began my working life. When I first found Goulet pens on the internet years ago, I was bewildered by brand names I’d never heard of. Diving into the company’s truly helpful videos, I learned about Twisbi, Lamy, Diplomat and Pilot (beyond the ubiquitous G2 ;) and pens from those brands are now on my desk. Tools need care, so thank you for all the maintenance supplies and knowledge you offer. And big thank you for all those 800 inks! I will be able to keep “writing on!” Mary Kerr

[@bradsteigerwalt8224]

What a great surprise! I thought you were taking this week off, but then here you were on my TV! In all your hats and superfluous glory! 🎉🎉

[@AlongfortheThrill]

I just got my first order and it was perfect. Thanks so much to the hard working caring employees of Goulet!

[@thejumpingnomad2485]

Awesome podcast, I'm super glad to be part of the 65 years of watch time on such quality content. Longer videos are way better.

[@Gouletpens]

Haha! We appreciate it! - Drew

[@yoonbitna-ib6ur]

Thank you for always keeping me company as I water my 100++ plants each week. Non-pencast weekends are pretty boring. 😊

[@EdoDoe613]

Wishing you all and all whom you cherish a most wonderful new year!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@raventhelight9357]

I hope you do as well pen friend! Happy New year 🎉

[@Gouletpens]

Happy New Year! - Drew

[@Stitchxavi]

1:53:09 keep in mind that folks like me watch 20 min at a time. I also rewatch sections a few times

[@hannahmalcolm6683]

My exact thoughts!

[@ina_lina]

Pen-related pencast moments I enjoy: 1) When you each were blindfolded and had to guess pens that the other handed you; 2) When you show which pens your coworkers are currently using. When I graduated college and moved into my first apartment, I got a sewing machine and a drill. I noticed that the sewing machine came with a 50-page instruction booklet in several languages and the drill came with no instruction at all. At the time, I thought it was a gendered thing. Now I realize it's that sewing machines are just that much more complicated! Like Drew, I can spontaneously entertain a crowd, no matter how large, but asked to give even a short prepared speech/performance, I sweat with nervousness. And, as usual, my comment includes something about parenting: I so appreciate that you were empathetic to Archer's distress on the ride. Other parents, especially of boys, might've mocked him for his reaction and told him to toughen up. He is lucky to have you and Shannon(sp?) as parents. And as for Brian's present shenanigans: I once asked a long-ago boyfriend what he wanted for his birthday. He said, "Nothing." So I wrapped an empty box! Happy New Year!

[@JefferyHall-ct2tr]

Hi Guys!: THANK YOU for all; the fun and pen stuff throughout 2023! I would just be preaching to the choir about how your pencasts enhance our existence, and give us some lighthearted moments in our everyday lives! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[@KatelynSweigart]

My partner and I listen to you both while playing games or doing crafts. He has no interest in pens, but he loves your shenanigans while I just love the whole thing. Here's to 2024 and more penanigans.

Thank you for a wonderful 2023 thru the Pencast! Thanks for continuously generously sharing your pen knowledge (as what you have done from the very start of GPC). Thank you also for not shying away from sharing stories of your personal lives. I agree with the other avid viewers of your show, it’s like sitting down and having a weekly chat with friends. Brian and Drew sharing moments of things they did that they’re uncomfortable or not familiar with (the ax throwing, rekindling an old hobby of playing the sax, learning other new things and hobbies aside from fountain pens, the fantasy storytelling, etc.) these are truly inspiring. In a world that expects perfection and doing everything you can while you’re young, you are living examples that, hey, you can still learn new things no matter how old you are, you can rekindle an old passion, and it’s not a big deal if you’re not excellent at every single thing you do. The inspiring part is that you guys actually do/try. Here’s to exploring other adventures beyond our comfort zones! Happy New Year to you, Brian and Drew! Happy New Year to the Goulet Pen Company and your families! Happy New Year to this awesome pen community! Cheers!

[@Sonicman415]

“Lots of.. banter” unlike any other pencast episode 😂We live for it. Brian is a hammer enabler. This part.. “you know what’s better than one? All of them.” Awesome. 😂

[@Jeanine_HuffpuffJ9]

I've been with you guys since 2016. you bring so much joy to me with your combo pen information and shenanigans ❤ Favorite 2023 pencast memories 1.) Meeting Adrianne, other team members, and others from the community. 2.) Pretty much all tangential things that come out of Brian😂 3.) Drew, I love your passion! Whether its nerdy things that i relate with or just the way you talk about your family and parenting ❤❤❤

[@wendywander7]

Applause for this great Pencast review! Applause for Brian's 35 hammers and Drew's Hank sweatshirt! I always watch the entire Pencast, but sometimes I have to watch it in several segments; I hope that still counts for your statistics. Thank you so much for a wonderful Pencast year, and looking forward to more in 2024!

[@agachwosta3101]

Awww, I wish I had seen Drew's IG post 😢 my favourite moment was the corgi sticker being created after my hypothetical question about bespoke maki-e pens ❤ The pencast is so much fun and my favourite way to start each weekend 🎉 Happy New Year everybody!

[@Hey_its_CeeTee]

Where exactly do you post these surveys on Instagram? I never see them… favourite moments: each time you crack each other up, each time Brian says « it depends », and all the moments of friendship, transparency about your moods and lives, and yes, all the useful content about pens that keep us pen nerds loving the hobby.

[@Much2shy142]

I'm struggling to not suddenly die of laughter and startle my office mates while I listen via my headphones. 😂😂😂 Hammers, log graves, and snatch blocks, oh my!

[@katealoguedit]

I have to say, I found the pen cast before I found your website. I was researching about fountain pens as it’s my new special interest, and immediately enjoyed the friendship dynamic between you guys. I have now made multiple purchases and am well down the fountain pen rabbit hole. 😂

[@beckyisj]

Came for the pens, stayed for the turkey hammock 💙 happy new year, you two and the rest of the Goulet team + family!

[@Gouletpens]

Happy New Year, Becky! I know 2024 is going to be special for you! - Drew

[@arguchik]

Hydrated, caffeinated, and sparkling inside and out!

[@iterationomega]

Happy Weekend and Rest of Year! It was a good Pen Year with you!

[@LauraRPh]

What a wonderful year! Thank you for all the information and entertainment!

[@kellylovesthepens]

What a lovely pencast to end the year with!

[@StephanieChoo-r5t]

Thank you Brian, Drew and the Goulet Pen Company! I've discovered fountain pens this year. Your videos & pencasts are educational and entertaining. Love the deep dives and the casual dynamic. Question: What are your fountain pen/ink/paper resolutions for 2024?

[@darlamaple6319]

Get a brother machine, and sometimes you can find a great machine at goodwill. And love watching your penchants - this is my first month watching and I'm loving it. Thanks so much.

[@marypanich9880]

Happy New Year! Thanks for a fun and informational pencast year! I am glad to have spent some of my New Years Eve watching the pencast. I look forward to seeing the future pencasts! Now to go back to my journey through the Goulet Q&A episodes! I am on Year 8… 😂 I will up the numbers for you Brian! Cheers!🥂

[@hills214]

Brian, as much as I love all the log grave stories, have you considered using them to make a small cabin as a "just-for-fun" project?

[@lisaleone2296]

Happy New Year! I spent an entire day of my Christmas weekend working on a new ink journal - organizing inks by color and brand. I now have to swatch all of the inks this weekend. I watched old episodes of the Pencast the entire time.

[@ANonymous-rx6lu]

I love to run the pencast on my tv on you tube when I'm home alone, it makes me feel like friends are hanging out while I do stuff- work on pens, write, do art... I can glance up if i want to see the visuals, but generally don't sit and attend to the visuals. My kids hate when I listen to news, and have zero interest in fountain pens, but oddly, they love hearing the pencast- especially on road trips! They have special needs, and I especially appreciate when Drew shares stories about Archer's doings and his family's interactions, because its great to hear about those positive outcomes and successes in families that have kids that can at times really struggle in ways other families don't really understand. It's nice to know other families are out there doing the things regardless of the struggles that sometimes come with atypical kids. I appreciate your sharing from your real lives and the camaraderie you two generate. so much of the internet is presented in a way that shows people how they want to be seen, but your authenticity is really so appreciated. thank you for sharing your friendship with us: all your Turkey hammock swinging 'pen friends.' :)

[@loves2readNplan]

Happy New Year to you and your families! I look forward to more Pencast shenanigans in 2024! By the way, my husband loved Brian's collection of hammers.

[@jess53nz]

Love the pencast stats! Happy new year friends.

[@mwGoosman]

PS- I really liked your pen battles! 🎉…and Brian’ crazy projects while Drew plays the disbelieving strait man😊

[@DrewSprague1218]

Oh weeks where I've ordered from y'all, I wait until I get my order to watch the Pencast. Today I opened up a new planner, two new TWSBI Ecos (to add medium nibs to my collection), and a whole bunch of ink samples because I claimed my free birthday sample pack and bought a few more :) Oh, and I finally bought a sample holder for my ever growing sample collection. I really enjoy listening to you two talk about pens and your lives, I can't wait to listen/watch more in the next year.

[@Gouletpens]

That sounds awesome! Happy New Year! - Drew

[@genovevaaguilar1872]

Thank you. ❤ Happy New Year 🎉✒️

[@plaipie]

Thank you for all the pencasts, wishing everyone a great 2024, write on!

[@Gouletpens]

Happy New Year! - Drew

[@itsmeLori]

I can’t overstate how much I enjoy the Pencast. I’ve listened to almost all of them this year and it was among my top 5 most listened to podcasts on Spotify the last two years despite my watching it mostly on KZbin. This EOY episode really underscores for me how these conversations you all share with us and the fact that you answer so many of our questions and respond to our comments makes us all feel like we’re in a community together. This is on top of Brian’s early videos being the thing that got me into fountain pens in the first place. So just writing this to say thank you!

[@Gouletpens]

Thank YOU, Lori! Happy New Year! - Drew

[@karendavidson6865]

See you next year!

[@CS_2306]

Happy New Year Goulet Pens & fans! Had so much fun prepping my 2024 planners while watching and chuckling at all the 2023 shenannigan recaps! Many blessings to all!

[@MarshaLove0723]

Happy New Year! 🎊

[@melrohner]

As far as cleaning converters goes, I’ve found that plain white pipe cleaners work super well. I use them for cleaning tons of things around the house, including fountain pen parts like converters, the inside of grip sections, etc.

[@patoeme]

A Very good 2024 for you guys and goulet pens 🎉🎉🎉

[@edwardstaats4935]

Happy New Year

[@195516Z]

I know it would never happen but its fun to imagine what a pen-cast would be like if you had a couple of real drinks in you.

[@LucyLu_meztli]

Happy New Year 🥳🙌✨ Fav quote from this Pencast (so far): 22:37 Yes, I’m a mess of a human being, thank you 💕

[@j.s.matlock1456]

Brian's grandparent's situation sounds rather familiar. My great grandparents had a homestead where they raised cotton. They had four rooms and a path to the shack out back and there was a well in the backyard with a bucket and a dipper by the back door. When my first cousins (once removed) got married in the 60s, they moved into the homestead. They didn't even have running water until after their first child was born. I once asked his wife how she could marry a man and come to a house that didn't even have running water. She replied, "It was true love, Suzie." I looked at her and stated, "Linda, I don't love anybody THAT much."

[@tootsfour956]

This was a great last vid of the year! Thank you for being there for us. Happy New Year and many blessings!

[@oldladywcamera]

This is my favorite episode. Thanks, and Happy 2024!

[@creamsiclecat]

I really enjoy Brian's all in attitude on everything haha! I like when people give it their all, even if its just a picture of all the hammers haha!

[@Gouletpens]

for better or worse, that's how I roll! -Brian Goulet

[@patriciaclark7135]

Happy New Year to you both and to the entire Goulet Co. Family. Thanks for the wonderful fountain pen information, the extraneous extras and the belly laughs too.

[@jorgeknightwalker8872]

I did spend the money on a more expensive Lamy Studio, but I got a great deal on it. It has become one of my most favorite pens.

[@mar1nka.]

That Dead On hammer is one of my husband's favorites! (he did demolition for years)

[@dawndemanda]

Watching this for my wild New Year’s Eve entertainment. Cleaned my pens so I can rotate in some of my new things for 2024. I will ink a couple of the cleaned ones tomorrow for real use in the new year. I’ve almost got my inks planned for 2024, but leaving some room for new purchases. I’m looking forward to more fun from you guys in 2024! Happy New Year!🎉

[@Gouletpens]

Happy New Year! - Drew

[@kellylaliberte548]

Brian, i remember that you once had to fill a hole in your driveway that was caused by a rotted stump. Are you going to eventually have sinkholes where your log graveyards are? Happy New Year to both of you and your families, and thank you for the many entertaining hours. I usually watch on TV after work on Fridays and it's a great way to unwind.

[@sandyl3952]

Happy New Year. Thanks for making life more enjoyable!

[@Gouletpens]

Thank you! Happy New Year! - Drew

[@mar1nka.]

Happy New Year to everyone at Goulet! @Brian, I need to see a video of most rugged / durable pens where you are wearing your hooded vest, eating grape nuts and digging log graves (time for a location shoot!) 🪵🪚🔨 😂

[@ExiledExia]

This was so much fun! Can’t wait for the next pen battle as well 😊 happy new year everyone!

[@bluejchou4404]

Thanks so much for doing this great New Years video! wish you all at Goulet the absolute best 2024!🎉 Brian, my mom was 3rd youngest of of 14 living children (2 stillborn) of my immigrant German family. They lived in a small farmhouse in WI with no indoor plumbing until my mom was a small child. Oh the stories I hear of their lives is also so truly humbling. On another note, I LOVE that we in the pen community defy the KZbin norms of short attention spans. I wonder if KZbin has a way of tracking people who start a video and then stop but only temporarily until they can finish at different times. I bet a lot of us watch all at once when we can but often life interrupts so we need to stop only to return to finish watching later. It shows the duration time isn't an issue for most of us.

[@callummcneilage4438]

KZbin asking me if I’m still watching halfway through the pencast is hilarious to me. Of course I’m still watching, how could I possibly be doing anything else!

[@TJulieta]

I wish I had known we were toasting! I would have come to my solo watch party prepared🎉 Happy New Year! It's been great getting caught up from the beginning after discovering the Pencast earlier this year! Thank you both for being the out loud version of all of the nonsense in my head 😂

[@Gouletpens]

You're never solo when you're with us! :) Happy New Year! - Drew

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

My holidays were less than stellar in 2023, so the horn toots and the silly hats were a fun spirit uplift. Thank you both for all the laughs.

[@Gouletpens]

I'm sincerely happy that you found some fun in joining us! Here's to a better holiday season in 2024! - Drew

[@rctrombone1]

I can be added to the crowd of people who found the podcast before shopping. My first fountain pen was the Safari but then I started looking up ink recommendations. Many inks, pens, and paper later I'm about 50 pen-casts in! Thanks for your work.

[@Heidejournal]

I have a rose gold Lamy nib that‘s supposed to go on a Lamy Dialog CC on my Lamy Safari Lightrose. It‘s so much fun and looks phenomenal. :) And I realized I turn the cap when opening and closing a pen that has no clip. It‘s faster and it feels like an overall better thing to not turn the pen including the ink in the feed… it‘s just that usually the clip is in the way and I‘m right handed, so maybe it‘s more natural to turn what‘s in my right hand. Weird thought to keep dwelling on… ;)))

[@odsmey]

Regarding sewing machines: I don't know about specifically the 90s, but getting an older, mechanic machine either from marketplace (then there might be some basic cleaning/repairing needed) or from a place that sells used sewing machines is a good way to go. You can get a good solid machine for the same low price as a cheap new one, but it will be better quality. I decided to get an expensive new one, and while I like it lots, it is not needed at all! I sewed a very nice blouse on a machine from the 60s (with only a handwheel, not even a treadle!) and it works fine! Make sure the machine has a zig-zag stitch (i.e. it's made after 1960 or so), that is basically all you need. That said, the machine from Brian's mother might be just fine. Yes, you have to know where the thread goes and how to adjust the tension, but that's something you have to learn for every machine. My Mom has a paper taped to her machine to show us how to thread it (new machines do have arrows to guide you, but you still have to thread it. Once you did it a couple of times, it is second nature)

[@tlr9230]

Encore! Cheers 🥂 to your next live Pencast at the DC Pen Show

[@tlr9230]

Oh wow, thank you for the shout out Brian & Drew! ✨it was so fun to meet you in person :) #fangirl

[@LegallyLlama]

Pencast question! So we know how terrible the Con-40 is. Why did Pilot discontinue the Con-50? I have managed to pick up a few of them and they are great for Metropolitans and Preras! Can’t they bring them back or make a smaller Con-70?

[@sahrandipity]

Going to try not to grape nuts this comment, but I have sewing machine things to say!! Drew's right about machines from the 90s. The one I got for my college graduation is still running and I've never had to have it looked at or fixed. Brian! Think of the sewing machine like you would any large scale power tool. So all the fiddling and adjusting is just part of what you need to do to get what you need out of the machine. Really the more fiddly the machine the better, depending on what you want to do with it. Singer is one of the best brands out there, so any used machine of theirs is likely to be good or able to be made good. If Ellie wants to learn sewing, it'll be better if she starts on a "buy once cry once" machine because you can always turn around and sell it with little loss. Ask the audience for sewing tips if you need them! We're here for you, like you're here for us. ❤️

[@willowbird4081]

I finally had to write in since the grape-nuts are still being jabbed. I love grape-nuts and always have even when it wasn't my go to cereal i appreciated that malt flavor it has. I would never eat a sugery cereal daily and am so grateful that grape-nuts are still in the stores. I have learned to let mine soak while I have the first cup of coffee and add more milk as neccesary to my liking of rather milky cereal. I am at an age when the fiber content is a plus. Grapenuts is now my go to cold breakfast cereal and if I buy any other kind I am buying as a snack (Chex or Cherrios), for making desserts (Rice Krispies), or as a dessert cereal (super sweet like Captain Crunch or Trix). I weathered a personal crises by eating 2 or 3 bowls of Trix daily even though it was not a childhood favorite so it became a bit nostalgic for me. I used to love Muesli but haven't had any since I stopped eating dairy--I loved it with yogurt. Also I used to prepare a lot of fruit to go with. Now there is a cereal for bashing. My mother said it looked like I was eating pig slops. Oh the misunderstood pleasures of life. Besides enjoying the taste I get another added bonus of pleasure when I feel what I am eating is particularly good for me. You guys always surprize me. Never thought I would be discussing grape-nuts or cereal at all on the pen cast page. I began collecting pens during the pandemic and watching your how to videos brought me to your pencast hour+. I bought so many pens so fast I have slowed down because I don't know how I can use them enough but I am still pairing pens and inks. It has been fun and the pens are a pleasure to write with. I use them for everything from grocery lists to taking notes while knitting, doing puzzles, journaling. I almost never use a ballpoint these days. Still it sometimes seems the rotation is too slow. Keep up the good work and much health and happiness for the new year to you and the larger pen lover community.

[@Gouletpens]

Haha ok, ok, I'll stop jabbing Grape Nuts. It has a loyal following of defenders! - Drew

[@janepilecki8083]

Happy New Year guys! I hope ths new year brings you more love and happiness. I look forward to the Pencast each week. It really is like visiting with two friends. I generally watch it straight through. Please include some pen content each week. I really like seeing a pen spotlight, or some discussion about specific pens. I like hearing the talk about your lives, families, hobbies, and the company. I get up and get a drink when you start talking about video games. I was working a full time job when they showed up on the scene and never got in to them. But they make you happy! And that is good. I will continue to watch and laugh. Where else am I going to see a photo of a person's collection of 35 hammers??? Only on the Goulet PenCast!! 🙂

[@Gouletpens]

Happy New Year, Jane! - Drew

[@differentkindofGEKE]

I NEED a breakdown of each hammer and its purpose. I used to work in a home improvement store in college and love tools!

[@RainEmbers832]

Love your pencast and educational videos. I've started this hobby a few months ago and I feel welcomed. What are you resoltutions for foutnain pens/paper/ink?

[@ednahansen7172]

Sewing machine recommendation: Buy an inexpensive Brother. I have produced many quilts in the last 30 years. I started with a hand-me-down Singer. When that wore out about 18 years ago I got a $90 Brother from Walmart and proceeded to put a zillion sewing miles on that thing. It eventually wore out and I replaced it with the "Project Runway" Brother I'm using now. The CP2160L carried by Joanne's ($129) is the current equivalent to mine. It has fancy stitches and free arm capability, but it's also just a workhorse machine. I have a much more expensive Pfaff that I use for free-motion quilting, but I use the Brother for piecing as well as all my mending and alterations.

[@Gouletpens]

Thank you! - Drew

[@N1inSK]

Happy New Year, you two! I thought of utting a gold nib on one of my Safaris, but they're over $200 CDN, and when I asked my dear wife, There Were Words. I stick with entry-level pens due to price, but they work perfectly well. If you meaure the cirumference of your head, then divide by Pi, you'll get your hat size. Slainté!

[@S.L._]

Hey, are either of you coming to the Philly Pen Show? Brian, your hammer collection is a thing of beauty. Since I was a child, my father has been periodically buying me tools, often nice ones -- just this Christmas he bought me an Estwing hammer with a leather handle. I now have a pretty respectable collection of (mostly hand) tools, and my entire lifetime so far of memories of my father and I wrenching away on things...often much to the bemusement of others. And Drew, your Hank shirt looks fantastic! Also, the comment you two couldn't remember about who was going to die today was anthropomorphizing trees . As in, Brian marches into the woods looks around, and decides which trees are going to die today. It was pretty funny.

[@Gouletpens]

No, but I'll be at Baltimore! - Drew

[@S.L._]

@@Gouletpens Darn. Yay for Baltimore, though!

[@edwardstaats4935]

Definitely not bots. I hope I am upping your average view time. I watch the full pencast, including the unofficial begins

[@AspasiaB]

Ha! That was me who pointed out Brian's Super Villainness regarding Green Lantern. 😂

[@arlenet.1520]

Hello Brian and Drew! Hope you both had a wonderful holiday season so far! You two look so cute in your hats…this pen newbie is so thankful for your weekly pencasts. I’m almost 8 months into the hobby and have a Sailor, a few Viscontis, 2 Montegrappas…and now waiting for my new Penlux and my first Maki-e pens to arrive any day now. I’m building my collection slowly. Any chances of having a client loyalty program? I have a substantial amount of friends of like to drop serious money on the pen hobby and are willing to move over to Goulet Pens if we had a rewards program of some type. Had my first experience with shimmer inks from De Atramentis gifted to me which were from Goulet Pens. And I was impressed in how much care went into packaging of the samples, no leaks. I’m not sure if you both come out to the new CA Pen Show, it will be their second year…but it will be my first ever pen show. This episode was hilarious! I just finished my 9 hour work shift and was just taking a chance to see if you two had a current episode…I have been turning my friends to the Pencast. Appreciate all that you do for the pen community and how great the blog and website is to me in providing pen education. Have a very Happy New Year! 2024 will be a great year! Wish me luck on my 2024 pen purchases…please have more Penlux and Taccia fountain pens…😊

[@raventhelight9357]

I am so thankful for the pencast this week. I work for waffle house and this is the busiest time of year for us. I don't really get to spend time with my family during the actual holidays. So i am so grateful that you guys gave us time with you this week! I may not have gotten to see my family but I got to see my pen friends! So from the bottom of my heart thank you guys! I truly appreciate and needed this!

[@anaouzounian1557]

You guys should try GrapeNuts pudding. It's an old New England treat that I love.

[@stephenjohnson7162]

Happy New Year to all the Goulet Pen people. Can I point out that Brian has probably buried enough logs to cover the creek across the length of his property as a bridge and dug enough log graves to instead have custom contoured the creek from end to end.

[@GreatInkspectations]

2024! The year of Brian's pliers! 🤣

[@willemgroenewegen5934]

A happy New Year to you and yours. I really like the tangential stuff, it gives me a little view of American life, although Dutch rural life can be similar with the tool-wielding in gardens and woods. A question for the New Year: most pen shop websites I visit don't tell you which nib number (a #4 or a #6 for example) a pen has, but gives you a 'visible nib length' in the product details. Is there a chart where those nib lengths are paired with nib numbers?

[@LucyLu_meztli]

5:44 Here for the sticker of Rufus the ink sampler cyborg 🤖🤭❣️

[@JoeyTrejo10]

My phobia of glitter was totally triggered with those hats 😂😂😂 See you next year and thank you for bringing this community together. To more in 2024! 🎉

[@Gouletpens]

I think I also have a glitter phobia after that episode. YIKES! Happy New Year! - Drew

[@195516Z]

As an audiophile I use a single piece of Grape-Nuts cereal as a stylus for my record player. I suspect it may be useful as a tip on a nib for writing as well.

[@Gouletpens]

Well said! - Drew

[@skylachamard7444]

Drew, pliers are great! Needle nose pliers can get where fingers can't. I've also used pliers to pick up things that are hot and move them. I have weak hands so players help me with strength.

[@kellylaliberte548]

Pliers are great for opening the vanilla extract bottle when it inevitably gets stuck too!

[@Gouletpens]

I use needle-nose pliers often for sewing through adhesive-packed patches! I don't know what I'd do without them! - Drew

[@MissMarilynDarling]

Brian you should take some of that welding knowlege to make you a train style bridge :)

[@Gouletpens]

haha, y'know that's kind of tempting! I hadn't thought of that but now I have that in my head ;) -Brian Goulet

[@grreeeeee]

you can get even smaller brush wands from eyebrow mascara

[@oldladywcamera]

Enjoyed! Was driving when suddenly I thought Brian's voice sounded strange. Turns out the sound was speeded up. Toward the end, it went back to normal speed. STRANGE. During the speed-up, Drew was at times incomprehensible.😂

[@Gouletpens]

Haha! Weird! That must have been hilarious and frightening. - Drew

[@Fngertip]

Richard Petty drove the #43 STP , the Intimidator, aka Dale Earnhardt drove the #3 Goodyear car.

[@charlotteweaver-gelzer515]

Lying down with a Christmas cold, entertaining myself with your antics on this, your last precast of the year, and, I admit, enjoying the hammers the most, I am wondering the following: have you ever fully addressed your own use of fountain pens? Do you write with fountain pens every day? Do you write Christmas cards, thankyou notes, journal entries, grocery lists (hammer lists?), letters, post cards, your names on petitions, iou's and promissory notes, checks (do you still write any?), reminders on sticky notes... do you pick up or pull out a fountain pen to doodle during a long speech or an idle moment... in other words, if you weren't working with fountain pens for the business of selling fountain pens, would you use them every day, how often in a day, and for what sorts of writing? And , what for what writing purpose wouldn't you choose a fountain pen? Giffaest 50