Tag Archives: Pens

The Pens of March

I like the month of March.  Maybe because it’s a bit unpredictable.  For one thing, you can never tell what the weather’s going to be in March.  Especially if you live in the Chicago area.  It can be sunny and 50 degrees one day, and then later in the week, snowing.  Wait, that actually happened here in the past week.  So, you just have to be prepared.  And, maybe you can’t tell what the day will be just by looking out your window in the morning.  Just hope for the best and plan for…well…snow.

Which brings me to pens.  (Nice transition huh?)  It’s usually this time of the year when I consider what new products to bring to TT Patton.  Last year ACME launched the Beatles series and Visconti introduced the Van Gogh line.  It’s also this time of the year that many of the big stationery and pen shows are happening around the country and new product launches are all the rave.

So when I met with my Pilot representative this morning, in the midst of all the new lines (you’ll love them) we both agreed that the Namiki Vanishing Point by Pilot is still one of the coolest pens on the market today.  That’s because it looks like a traditional push ballpoint with a pocket clip, but it’s actually a fountain pen. You can’t tell just by looking at it (now you see the transition), but it has a nice 14K gold nib to make writing handwritten notes smooth and effortless.

And although some people (Jessica Liebman) think writing a handwritten note “just feels ancient”, I actually think it “just feels real”.  So why not get something that is real practical (looks like a ballpoint) and real fine (but it’s a fountain pen).

This is just the beginning of the “transitional season”….we have much more coming real soon to your favorite pen store in Barrington, TT Patton.

Test drive the new RNX.316

When I wrote the business plan for TT Patton it did not include pens.  I guess that’s why they’re called plans.  But just before we opened,  a representative from Caran d’Ache stopped by the shop.  She looked around and suggested I stock a few fine writing instruments just as a complement to our fine writing papers.

Now just 6 years later, we’re sometimes called “the pen shop in Barrington”.  And yes we still carry Swiss made Caran d’Ache.  If you haven’t seen this line, join us on Saturday, November 12th when our representative Michele demonstrates fine pens from not only Caran d’Ache, but also LAMY and Yard•O•Led.  This year Caran d’Ache introduces a new product called RNX.316.  Here’s a sneak preview…

So make room on your calendar November 12th to test drive the new RNX.316.  Or any other pen in the shop.  Have you ever heard of Yard•O•Led?  Here’s something you should know…. Continue reading

Under 10, in Six Hundred Ten (60010)

It seems to be an unpopular question with young people right about now.  It’s just part of growing up, but you try to keep it out of your mind as long as possible.  Especially in the summer months of June through August.  But I have to ask.  It’s just that time of the year.  “Are you ready to go back to school?”  Whew!  Ok, I asked.

But in order for TT Patton to get ready with back to school supplies, we have to start buying now.  This year I want young people to know that pens and notebooks don’t have to be boring.  You can write with fountain pens, saving the planet with every stroke by simply adding ink cartridges instead of throwing out empty ball point pens.  So this year I brought in a really cool line called Preppy.

Preppy Pens in 6 Colors

At just $6 per fountain pen, they’ve become a big hit with our students in the Creative Writing Summer Camp.  They come in 6 colors, and they use cartridges for ink, which makes them refillable.  How can you beat that?  The Preppy Pen also comes in a highlighter, for $6…. and they’re refillable too.  How can you beat that?  Matching spiral notebooks, indexed with smooth lined pages.  I can’t give away all the hints of cool stuff we have planned for Back to School, just know there’s more to come.  Selecting Back to School supplies is my summer project.

Shop Sidewalk Days

So how can you help with my summer project?   Shop Sidewalk Days in Barrington, July 29th-July 31st and you’ll help make space in the shop for all the new items.   And since we’re making space for the new stuff inside, everything outside will be “Under $10.” I know…..  But don’t stop there, walk inside and find other bargains like free return addressing on personalized stationery and preview many fall items, like Filofax planners.

What’s in it for you?  In addition to all the bargains, the Barrington Chamber of Commerce and TT Patton are sponsoring a FREE 60010 Coupon Book filled with discounts from local merchants and businesses.  You can pick up one at The Chamber Information Booth during Sidewalk Days located at McGonigal’s Pub or at TT Patton at our “Under $10″ table set up outside our shop.  Yes you heard it right, under 10 in six hundred ten (60010).