December 9, 2014

Hobonichi Techo 2015 (Sashiko Weave) Review

It's been a whirlwind past few days what with me going to Sydney, job interviews etc, but here's a little different planner review for you guys: the Hobonichi Techo

I've always wanted one, though I've always somehow managed to resist getting it. And trust me, it worked for a couple of months. Till I decided I had to try out the Hobonichi (Tomoe River) paper. I've heard great reviews on the paper, and so, I decided to break my resistance and try it for myself.

But before I get into the review of the paper, I'm going to review the cover. I've yet to write in my Hobonichi planner itself, (fear is getting to me) but when I do eventually, I'll make sure to review that too.

My first ever Hobonichi was the A6 Sashiko Weave. It was around 4000+ yen, and together with the planner, it amounted to around AUS$80+. I admit though, my cost would've been cheaper if I were patient and got myself the plain colours. But because I was going to Sydney and wanted it to be delivered to my bf's place, I had to choose something that was going to be delivered fast. And it was. I ordered my Hobonichi on a Sunday and it arrived in Sydney on the Thursday. Pretty quick if you ask me.

So here are the pictures of the Sashiko cover:


Two pen loops which keeps your Hobonichi closed if you slide the pen through both holes

All Hobonichi (that aren't zipped) comes with two pen loops for two functions:

  1. To act as a pen loop (or two) - duh
  2. To keep the Hobonichi shut if you slide the one pen through both holes

Also, the two things I've noticed about the Hobonichi that I wanted to bring up was:
  1. When it first arrived, it was in a plastic wrapping and the actual Sashiko cover was laid flat. Initially, when I tried folding it over, it was quite stiff, but put some books over it and it'll close shut without any problems.
  2. I was scared about putting the book into the cover. You had to bend the cover quite substantially in order for it to go into the sleeves. It took a whole lot of confidence for me to just stuff it in, because I know that if you didn't, you won't ever be getting it in. Maybe it's just the cover I purchased, however. I have bought another Hobonichi though (the cousin / A5) so once that arrives, I'll be able to compare.
On the inside of the Sashiko cover is a beige synthetic leather material which was actually a good contrast to the outside cover. There are numerous pockets back and front so I don't think you'll ever be short on one:

Inside of the cover
Pages in the planner

The back of the cover:



It has two page markers with different shapes which, I think, is quite handy as you'll then be able to differentiate between the two:



And finally, on the back of the cover, there is an extra pocket for you to slide in any other loose items you may have:



Overall, it seems like a very durable cover. I'm a little bit scared of the weave being caught on something and spoiling the pattern overall though, so I may very well leave this one at home. The A5 / Cousin version I've purchased is the plain Cosmos colour, which I think would be more durable. I'll post another review of it once it arrives!

6 comments:

  1. Welcome to the Hobonichi world!

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  2. I so wish I had gotten a cover for my Hobonichi! It seems so sad, being coverless!
    The pockets on yours are fabulous! Looks like you could use it as a wallet, just about!
    You'll love writing in the Hobonichi, by the way. I was a bit worried at first, but remembered that the A6 I got started with 2 days per page on December 1st...so, I figured I'd have plenty of time to figure out what worked, before the real use starts for 2015...and I'm in love. The grid is just the right size, the pen is fabulous, the paper is SO smooth. Ah, it's delicious :D

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    Replies
    1. Ironically, I actually stopped using the cover for my A6 Hobonichi (only because I'm waiting for my zipped Chambray to arrive), and it's working for me. Maybe it's because I'm currently just storing it at home though and is safe from my rough handling. Haha. And I agree with the paper! I've drawn in it and did some watercolouring too and I'm amazed with how well the paper holds up to them both!

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  3. How did it lat? Was the weave easily caught on things? This is currently my dream cover to find somewhere but I'm hesitant to go all out trying to find it if I'm just going to snap a thread :D

    I realise that your blog may no longer be active but I thought I'd ask on the off chance you're still around :)

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