Crochet Now Magazine | Jardin de Fleur Blanket

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Inspired by the iconic artist Frida Kahlo I’ve got a brand new blanket pattern to share with you today.

A bright and colourful indoor scene with lots of plants and bright ceramics. On a chair is draped the Jardin de Fleur crochet blanket. — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 97)

Allow me to introduce the Jardin de Fleur blanket which is available in Issue 97 of Crochet Now magazine. It’s a design I’m hoping might infuse your living space with a bit of Frida Kahlo’s creative spirit!

Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her self-portraits and use of bold vibrant colours, and she’s become a recognisable historical figure partly because of her characteristic style and image.

A large crochet motif blanket made up of geometric shapes and bold 3D flowers in draped across a bed. — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 97)

Kahlo often embraced representations of flowers in her work, alongside geometry, to suggest that even if things look opposite, and shouldn’t seemly go together, we are never separate from nature. As a crochet designer I find that nature is a never-ending source of inspiration for me and so guided by Kahlo’s ideas I knew I wanted to use a flower motif combined with something else to create a unique look.

In the end I combined bold 3-D flowers with geometric diamond shapes in lovely bold colours to create a distinctive work of art for your home. The finished blanket is made up of four different motifs and is approx. 143 x 109 cm (56 x 43 inches) in size making it a great to cuddle up with on the sofa.

A bright and colourful indoor scene with lots of plants and bright home accessories. On a chair is draped the Jardin de Fleur crochet blanket. — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 97)

For my blanket I used Stylecraft Special DK with a 4mm hook in 4 different colours; White (1001), Dandelion (1856), Lipstick (1246) and Lobelia (1825). I think many of us have a Stylecraft stash of yarn for various projects, though if you’re not familiar with it, it’s a versatile 100% acrylic yarn that I’ve used many many times for various crochet projects. It’s available in a large selection of shades, and it’s a soft, durable yarn which is machine washable – making it great for blankets.

❤️ SAVE THE JARDIN DE FLEUR BLANKET ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 97 is available to buy from your local supermarket or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

Front cover of Crochet Now magazine issue 97 — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 97)

If you make up the the Jardin de Fleur Blanket I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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10May2023

Crochet Now Magazine | Clangers Soup Dragon Puppet

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I’m delighted to say I’ve got another nostalgic pattern for you today from the world of the Clangers! As all Clanger fans know, their favourite food is soup – and who makes that soup? It’s the Soup Dragon!

A lady looking off camera holds up a crocheted Soup Dragon puppet, from the Clangers TV show, next to her face. — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 94)

If you aren’t familiar with The Clangers, it’s a classic BBC British stop-motion pre-school children’s tv series. It’s about a family of knitted mice-like creatures who live on a small moon-like blue planet.

Now I’m not old enough to remember the original series (which ran between 1969-74), but when I had my eldest daughter my mother-in-law bought us a DVD of The Clangers, which we watched together so the Clangers have a special place in my heart – as they do for many people!

A toddler, wearing a Clangers jumper, has the Clangers Soup Dragon puppet on his right shoulder. — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 94)

You may remember that I designed a sweet “Clanger” themed mobile for Issue 79 of Crochet Now and now I’m delighted to have created another favourite character from the show, The Soup Dragon in a puppet form. The Soup Dragon: a benign, female creature with a penchant for Green Soup. Clangers only eat green soup which is supplied by the Soup Dragon harvested from the planet’s volcanic soup wells.

The finished puppet is approx. 25 cm (9.8 inches) from nose to cuff and will fit little hands easily; it will also stretch to accommodate adult hands too for adult / child playtime.

A lady lwith the Clangers crocheted Soup Dragon puppet on her right hand is pretending to be scared of the puppet. — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 94)

For my Soup Dragon puppet I used some Stylecraft Special DK with a 4mm hook in 8 different colours. I think many of us have a Stylecraft stash of yarn for various projects, it’s such a versatile yarn with an amazing selection of shades that cover the whole rainbow several times over. It’s an 100% acrylic yarn that is hard-wearing and machine washable – making it great for toys!

❤️ SAVE THE SOUP DRAGON PUPPET ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 94 is available to buy from your local supermarket or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

Front cover of Crochet Now Magazone Issue 94 available from most supermarkets

If you make up the The Soup Dragon Puppet I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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13Feb2023

Crochet Now Magazine | Peanuts Baby Loveys

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Get your little ones hooked on Peanuts early with these adorable official Snoopy and Woodstock baby blanket loveys – out now in issue 91 of Crochet Now magazine

Adorable Peanuts Loveys featuring Snoopy and Woodstock on a fluffy rug with toy building bricks — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 91)

Stars of the Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip Peanuts, and later TV and movies, Snoopy is best known as the pet beagle of Charlie Brown and the small yellow bird, Woodstock, is Snoopy’s best friend. Everybody loves Snoopy and all fans of the iconic series will adore these super soft and cuddly lovey blankets.

There are so many options for little blankets for babies to cuddle and the right toy will do wonders for your kid’s comfort and confidence – my eldest fixed on a lovey as her ‘toy of choice’ so I personally think they are a great toy to make and gift.

Adorable Peanuts Lovey spread out so you can see the blanket section — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 91)

I created Snoopy and Woodstock out of some Stylecraft Special DK which is 100% acrylic that comes in 100g balls [295 meters / 323yds] balls, it’s a yarn I’m very familiar with, one I’ve used so many times for different projects including this years crochet along. The only other things you need to make Snoopy and Woodstock is some, stitch markers, a tapestry needle and some toy stuffing.

The lovey section and the tops (hands and arms) are made in the round, working in the amigurumi style of continuous rounds without joining, they would make great beginners patterns for someone who’d like to try making an amigurumi.

❤️ SAVE THE PEANUTS LOVEYS ON RAVELRY ❤️

Snoopy and Woodstock Loveys spread out so you can see the blanket section — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 91)

Issue 91, with my little Snoopy and Woodstock on the front cover, is full of lovely seasonal patterns and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

If you make up either Snoopy or Woodstock I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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17Jan2023

Crochet Now Magazine | Lola the Ladybird

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Send a little love to that special someone in your life with Lola the Lovebug. Packed full of love from antennae to the tips of her toes she will be sure to be loved by everyone!

Crocheted ladybird in a garden holding a heart, there is ivy in the background and securers in the foreground. — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 90)

The pattern for Lola, along with her little heart, is available in issue 90 of Crochet Now magazine. Lola comes equipped with delicate hearts on top of her antennae making her a true love bug! She was a really fun project to work on, and you could make her holding the heart, or leave it separate, or why not even embroider the initials of someone special onto the front.

I created my lovebug with a 3mm hook out of some James C. Brett It’s 100% Pure Cotton which is 100% cotton that comes in 100g [215 meters / 235yds] balls and, for a cotton, is lovely and soft.

Close up of a crocheted ladybird in a garden holding a heart

The only other things you need to make the Lola is some black embroidery thread, stitch markers, a tapestry needle and some toy stuffing.

❤️ SAVE LOLA THE LOVE BUG ON RAVELRY ❤️

Nothing says I love you as much as something handmade I think. She would make the perfect pick-me-up gift for someone special this Valentine’s Day or any other day.

Image from Crochet Now 90 of Lola the crocheted Lovebug. — © Practical Publishing 2023 (Crochet Now Issue 90)

Issue 90 is full of lovely seasonal patterns and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

If you make up Lola the Lovebug I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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30Nov2022

Crochet Now Magazine | Pickwick the Puppy

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Meet Pickwick, the cheeky little puppy, who’s stolen the Christmas stocking to see if there are any bones or biscuits in it for him! But look at that sweet face – surely he can’t help but be forgiven!

© Practical Publishing 2022 (Crochet Now Issue 88)

The pattern for little Pickwick, along with the miniature stocking, is available in issue 88 of Crochet Now magazine. I’d sort of had an idea for Pickwick for awhile so it’s nice that he’s finally been brought to life.

I created my pup with a 3.25mm hook and King Cole Cottonsoft DK which is a yarn I’ve used before (for my CareBear toys and the Pastel Pop Shawl), it’s 100% cotton that comes in 100g [210 meters] balls and as the name suggests it’s lovely and soft to work with.

Combined with the Cottonsoft I added some King Cole Truffle, which is classed as a fashion yarn, made up of 70% acrylic and 30% Polyamide (100g balls / 255m), which was perfect for adding some extra fluffy, stroke-able ears for Pickwick.

The only other things you need to make the Pickwick are 2 x 8mm black safety eyes, some black embroidery thread, stitch markers, a tapestry needle and some toy stuffing.

❤️ SAVE PICKWICK THE PUPPY ON RAVELRY ❤️

I think Pickwick the Puppy is definitely on the nice list this Christmas! And he can be be your new work in progress when you pick up Issue 88.

Issue 88 is full of lovely seasonal patterns and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

If you make up Pickwick the Puppy I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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8Nov2022

Crochet Now Magazine | RSPB British Bird Baubles

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I love a good Christmas decoration; I think they are actually one of my favourite things to make, they are usually quick and satisfying, great to gift or perfect to keep for your own home.

That’s why I was delighted to have the opportunity to design some cute baubles for the RSPB featuring some of the nations favourite British birds.

© Practical Publishing 2022 (Crochet Now Issue 87)

The RSPB (aka The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) is a charitable organisation here in the UK that’s been around since 1889. It’s the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home and secure a healthy environment for wildlife.

My British Bird Baubles are inspired by a goldfinch, a blue tit, a house sparrow, a chaffinch and a robin, and the exclusive RSPB pattern card is available with issue 87 of Crochet Now magazine.

Each bauble is worked in tapestry crochet working two or more colours of yarn within a single round switching back and forth between the colours to create the characteristics of the birds.

I created my baubles with a 3mm hook and various colours of Ricorumi DK which, if you are not not familiar with it, is a100% cotton yarn which comes in 25g [57.5 meters] balls. I love Ricorumi DK especially for amigurumi as it comes in the cute little balls in loads of different colours so I can usually find the shades that I’m looking for.

The only other things you will need to make the baubles are stitch markers, a tapestry needle and some toy stuffing and a little bit of twine for the hanging loop.

So send a collection of cute bird baubles flying to your tree this Christmas with the RSPB British Bird Baubles. These pretty decorations are idea for all bird lovers – and are cute enough to be displayed all year round.

❤️ SAVE THE BRITISH BIRD BAUBLES ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 87 is full of lovely seasonal patterns and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

If you make up either of the British Bird Baubles I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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28Sep2022

Crochet Now Magazine | Autumn Gnomes

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Hello Autumn! The weather is definitely turning cooler here in the UK, the leaves are beginning to changing from green to those incredible displays of vibrant colours, it’s time to get out hats, scarves and gloves, and perhaps go for a crisp walk in the forest. And if you go down to the woods this week, you might just spy a pair of little gnomes out exploring!

Meet Cone and Acorn, the Autumn Gnomes; this delightful pair spend their days harvesting the seeds of their chosen trees ready to plant for next year. Both these guys, plus the patterns to make some acorns, pinecones and leaves, are available in issue 86 of Crochet Now magazine.

I had the idea to make these gnomes for a while, I do enjoy making gnomes (you may remember my Nordic Twist gnome , Poinsettia gnome or Gnorman the Gnome), they are always a fun project, and I love how they seem to develop their own little characteristics.

© Practical Publishing 2022 (Crochet Now Issue 86)

This time around I wanted to move away from the traditional pointy gnome hat, and went for an acorn and pinecone to give them both an individual appearance associated with a given tree.

When I made my Nordic Twist gnome I enjoyed how the roving looked for his beard, and I knew I wanted to use it again, but in a different way and with different colours for some autumnal characters.

I created my gnomes with a 3mm hook and various colours of Ricorumi DK which is 100% Cotton that comes in 25g [57.5 meters] balls.

I love Ricorumi DK for amigurumi as it comes in the cute little balls in 80 different colours and they had a perfect amount of Autumnal shades for my gnomes.

The only other things you will need to make the gnomes are bits of roving wool for the beard and hair. stitch markers, a tapestry needle and some toy stuffing.

It’s always fun to decorate so why not hook up these cute festive gnomes to bring in the Fall and Autumn Season!

❤️ SAVE THE AUTUMN GNOMES ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 86 is full of lovely Autumnal patterns and is available to buy from most supermarkets. Or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

If you make up either of the Autumn Gnomes I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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3Mar2022

Crochet Now Magazine | Clangers Mobile

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

I hope it doesn’t seem a little frivolous to be posting about crochet (especially with what is currently happening in the Ukraine). Whilst I am obviously extremely concerned about what is unfolding in the world, for me crochet is my comfort and distraction for my anxiety. And actually one of the patterns I’ve created for the latest issue of Crochet Now magazine was a lovely nostalgic trip down memory lane.

I’m delighted to say I had the opportunity of designing a sweet “Clanger” themed mobile for Issue 79. If you aren’t familiar with The Clangers, it’s a classic BBC British stop-motion pre-school children’s tv series about a family of knitted mice-like creatures who live on a small moon-like blue planet.

Now I’m not old enough to remember the original series (which ran between 1969-74), but when I had my eldest daughter my mother-in-law bought us a DVD of The Clangers, so I became well acquainted with the adorable creatures and the gentle storylines, and became rather fond of the sweet whistled dialogue that typifies the characters of show.

And if you have young people at home you may have seen the The Clangers re-vamp (2015 to present), which I’ve enjoyed watching with my youngest. There’s just something so appealing about these handmade looking knitted mice!

But if like me, you don’t knit as well as you should like, and you are a Clanger fan, or you have Clanger friends or family, then you’ll be as happy as I was to be able to crochet my own version.

On the mobile we have Tiny Clanger, who is kind and gentle by nature. She’s the youngest of the Clanger family, and so seemed the perfect character to showcase in the centre of the mobile.

Then on the arms of the mobile we have the blue planet, complete with dustbin lid openings, and a froglet (those small orange aliens who traditionally travel around in a top hat!). Finally I’ve added some moon shapes and sparkly stars to help send your little one into a sweet slumber.

For my Clanger mobile I used some of my favourite Ricorumi DK with a 3mm hook in 9 different colours, and also included some sparkly Rico Creative Lame DK for the stars and parts of the blue planet.

If you are not not familiar with Ricorumi DK the yarn it is 100% Cotton which comes in 25g [57.5 meters] balls, it’s perfect yarn for amigurumi making as it comes in the cute little balls in over 80 different shades so I can usually find perfect colours to match my project.

Aside from the yarn and hook the only other things you will need are; a DIY Mobile, Black embroidery thread, 2 x 8mm black safety eyes, 2 x 6mm black safety eyes, toy stuffing, stitch markers and yarn needles.

❤️ SAVE THE CLANGERS MOBILE ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 79 is available to buy from your local supermarket or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

© Crochet Now, Issue 79 by Practical Publishing

If you make up the Clangers mobile I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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10Feb2022

Crochet Now Magazine | Milo the Mindful Moose

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

The latest issue of Crochet Now magazine is focusing on the importance of being mindful and there’s nothing more mindful that a bit of quality ‘me’ time crocheting! So if you are looking for a new project to get lost in the stitches, then how about Milo the Mindful Moose!

Milo the Moose enjoys getting out his yoga mat and unwinding after a busy day! Are you interested in yoga or mediation? I used to enjoy going to yoga classes before I had children and have recently been considering trying to find a local class again that I could go to.

But of course I also use the rhythmic motions of crochet as a conscious way to slow down a bit, be present in the moment with my stitches and relieve stress – and that’s what Milo is all about!

Enjoy taking the time to hook up Milo and his tasselled yoga mat, he makes a quick and easy project and would be the perfect gift for any yoga loving family and friends.

For my Milo I used some of my favourite Ricorumi DK with a 3mm hook. If you are not not familiar with the yarn it is 100% Cotton which comes in 25g [57.5 meters] balls. I went for calming teal and brown tones, just 1 ball of Wood (073), Cream (002), Aqua (074), Slate (080) and Teal (040). I love Ricorumi DK for amigurumi as it comes in the cute little balls in loads of different colours so I can usually find the shades that I’m looking for.

❤️ SAVE THE MILO THE MOOSE ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 78 is available to buy from your local supermarket or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

If you make up Milo the Moose I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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29Dec2021

Crochet Now Magazine | Exclusive Care Bear Toys

Posted in Crochet, Magazine, Pattern Release, Tah-Dah, Yarn by Keep Calm and Crochet On UK

Another day, another bear! But these next patterns are a couple of bears that I’ve been super excited about sharing with you – because they are CARE BEARS!!!!!

That’s right!!! Care Bears!!! If you are a child of the 80’s, like I was, you may just understand the excitement I had to be given the opportunity to create a couple of the iconic characters for the latest issue of Crochet Now Magazine (Issue 76)!

I got to choose which two Care Bears I’d like to try and bring to life and, as Cheer Bear and Grumpy Bear were a couple of my favourite’s, (though I’ve always had an especial soft spot for Grumpy Bear) it seemed only appropriate that I definitely include him.

Although I was only 3 when Care Bears were first launched I do remember that the Care Bear movie, when I was around 7 or 8 so, being one of the first movies I went to see at the cinema!

I didn’t have a cuddly toy Care Bear but I did have a poseable plastic figure of Grumpy Bear, and I did collect, probably like so many of us, the stickers for my Panini Care Bear Sticker album (I seem to remember the special stickers were furry – do you remember those?), and I definitely remember sticking out my tummy in the playground to perfect my Care Bears stare!

So it has been such fun to create the two Care Bears – a real nostalgic project which I thoroughly enjoyed! Do you remember the Care Bears? Who was your favourite?

For my Care Bears I used some King Cole Cotton Soft DK with a 3.25mm hook. The Cotton Soft was a yarn completely new to me; if you are not familiar with it either, it’s an incredibly soft 100% cotton yarn, availan that comes in 21 different colours. It’s used often for baby makes and summer knits so the palette has a lot of pastels, but there are some nice bright primary colours included as well – which is what I used for Cheer Bears tummy rainbow.

❤️ SAVE THE CARE BEARS ON RAVELRY ❤️

Issue 76 is available to buy from your local supermarket or you can grab a digital version from www.craftstash.co.uk/books-magazines

If you make up any of the Care Bears I hope you’ll share any finished photos with me on social media (facebook, twitter or instagram) or as a project on Ravelry – I love to see what you make! And finally you may wish to make sure you are signed up to blog (below) and / or my mailing list to get a reminder when new blog posts, discounts or new pattern releases are available.

Until next time folks! Happy hooking and keep calm and crochet on my friends xx

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