My favourite pocket notebook - by Amanda

by Amanda Fleet

See.. I definitely defined the parameters there... favourite pocket notebook. I know Stu would say this is an impossible task, like asking someone which is their favourite child... but I don't have any children, so... Maybe it's like asking me who my favourite character from my books is - that would indeed be more of a tricky proposition because they all have something that sets them apart to me (and of course, I created them, so I love all of them! Even the 'bad guys').

In fact, asking me what my favourite notebook is would be a difficult one to answer. But, I sneakily titled this 'My favourite pocket notebook' and the answer to that is easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy.

The Clairefontaine notebook, of course.

[Why] do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

Well, first and foremost, it's the paper. It's just amazing stuff. Fountain pen? No problem. Also, no feathering, no show-through, no bleed-through and lots of sheen. Any other writing implement? Also great (though Scrib might say the paper is a tad smooth for full pencil delight. Personally, I think it's fine).

Secondly, it's the sheer value for money. LOTS of pages per book (96! 96!). Yet, NOT lots of pennies! (£8 for 3). I'm a Northern lass, married to a Scot. These things can be important!

Thirdly, it's the cover. There's something delightfully retro about the 1951 covers. The pop of colour, the school exercise book look... And the card cover is sturdy enough to withstand some bashing about in a bag or back-pocket. I like the space on the front for labelling the book (and I generally do label them, even though I don't archive my pocket notebooks the way Stu does).

Yeah, okay, they're stapled not sewn. No, they don't have a little pocket in the back cover. Nor do they have any kind of bookmark. But for me, they're fantastic wee books.

Never tried them? You're missing out!

Nero's Clairefontaine range

Clairefontaine 1951 pocket notebooks