Notebook covers

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There were two ways of starting this post...

Option A:
"I like using my pens.
I like notebooks.
I'm a metrosexual, hipster-denying urbanite who spend too much money on gadgets and hobbies in feeble attempts to distract myself from deeper real-life issues such as the environment or why my relationships only lasts six months"


and then there is
Option B:
"Ever since I got into fountain pens I've started writing more and more and these days it seems like I am always carrying a notebook or two with me in my bag. Since I use them a lot I thought I'd spend a little bit making them look a bit better - as well as protecting them in the bag (because we all know how fragile notebooks are). That and I love handmade, quality items be it razors, shoes or...notebook cases"

I went with Option B.

My two notebooks of choice are the Hobonichi Techo and your small notebooks a la Field Notes. Just this week my hands-down favorite leather artisan Popovleather came out with two new products;
- A hobonichi sized case, and
- An update to the already existing Field Note case line where you can now add a loop for your pen that will work as a clasp for the case (same on the Hobo case).

The neat thing is that Ryan at Popovleather is no stranger to fountain pens and added a 'large loop' to accommodate these pen sizes :)

I ordered one of each (Hobo case in driftwood leather and cream stitching - and FN case in tan leather (it's really more like coffee) with brown stitching).

As Ryan works on a MTO basis and keep minimum stock it'll be 2-3 weeks before they arrive but I'm really curious to get them. Based on my experience with the wallet I bought from him I'm expecting great things :) These are handmade out of Horween chromexcel leather way up north in canuck land.

Also, I believe he has a coupon code for 10-15% or so off your order.

Hobo case in driftwood leather;
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FN cover in tan leather and red stitching (a color combo I considered...)
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I really like the Popov cases. I remember seeing him pop up over at BB ages ago, I think with a razor case? Anyways didn't realise he made all these lovely items.
We all need distractions anyways, girls come and go, leather lasts forever :)
 
I really like the Popov cases. I remember seeing him pop up over at BB ages ago, I think with a razor case? Anyways didn't realise he made all these lovely items.
We all need distractions anyways, girls come and go, leather lasts forever :)

Yeah he has made razor cases...and even fountain pen cases :)
 
I don't carry notebooks so I certainly don't need leather cases for them. Option A is a clear winner for me. I'm particularly interested in why your relationships last only six months - this is a gateway to the real life issues over which you have influence.

I feel closer to you for sharing Option A and commend you for the insight required.

You could begin therapy by donating the price of a notebook or cover to the Roof Fund every time you feel the urge to buy. Denying yourself the reward is a good way to open the gateway to your issues a little more each time.
 
A few weeks ago I received the Popovleather notebook covers...and let me tell you...they are amazing.

I ordered two;
* The Hobonichi cover, and
* The FieldNote sized cover.

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** Note that Popov Leather is closed until beginning of August, 2016 due to adding a 'baby Popov'.
** If you order during this time you get a 20% discount (see their site)

One of the neat things when ordering a product from Popov is that you can specify the leather and thread that you want as these are handmade to order.
In my case I opted for Driftwood leather w/ cream thread for the Hobo case (top) as I wanted it to be the same as my wallet... and for the FieldNote sized one I went for something a bit darker all around and got it in Tan leather w/ brown thread.

Popovleather makes some amazing high quality goods but these covers blew me away.
It's hard to really show in these pictures but they strike a balance between firm and supple that has to be experienced.

What's new about these covers is that Ryan has now added an option to have a pen on them that serves both as a way to keep track of your pen but it also holds the cover closed when the pen is inserted into the loop.
Note that there are two loop sizes to choose from. The larger one is well suited for most fountain pens.

Prices:
Hobonichi cover:
About USD 59/GBP 44 (or USD 47 / GBP 35 w/ the 20% discount)

FieldNote sized cover: About USD 49 / GBP 36 (or USD 39 /GBP 29 w/ the 20% discount)

The Hobonichi cover

Obviously a bit larger to be able to accommodate this relatively thick notebook/journal.

Here it is with my Hobo inserted into it.
(As can be seen in the very first photo the case also has a small pocket on the inside where you can place a card or two or some bills).
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A great fit (pardon the attempts at drawing)
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Here's the cover being held closed courtesy of a gold-and-burgundy Parker 51
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The pen fits snugly in place and won't slide out
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The Field Note sized cover
Similar in most ways to the Hobo cover apart from size (and my personal color choices).

My rather "stealthy" color combination shown here with the same Parker 51 pen:
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Using them

So it's been a few weeks now since I bought and received these covers and the natural question might be if they are actually also practical and if one will use them.
For me the answer to that is "absolutely".
Most of the time I have actually both with me in my bag and love using them.

They also go well with beer.
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