Thursday, May 9, 2013

It's For the Birds!!!! And a Giveaway!!!!!

Finally it is my day for the It's For the Birds Blog Hop! The minute it was announced I knew I had to join in because I had lots of birdie fabric! I decided that I wanted to use fabric in my stash so I looked around for some fun things to make plus I wanted to try some new techniques. So here is what I came up with.

First up were some cute little owls from Toad's Treasures. I had so much fun making these adorable owls. I made the first one but decided that I wanted to move the wings a bit so you can see that my second owl (the orange one has "high flying wings")  plus I added a little batting to give the wings some body! Aren't they cute? (Click on photos to enlarge!)
Betting my grandkids will love having stuffed owls!
Then I decided that because I missed the mug rug blog hop, I needed to catch up and make some for me! I found The Patchsmith at Craftsy and fell in love with her patterns. I have to tell you she is one of the nicest folks I have met on the internet so check out her blog! I looked around and chose more owls and my other favorite, the penguin! This is the first time I have done applique and I had a ball. It is amazing to see little pieces of fabric become something so cute!
Note I used the same "night time" fabric for both rug mugs. It was just perfect!
I had so much fun picking out just the right scrap to make each creature come to life! I was amazed that I had the perfect branch in my scraps plus I love how the owls turned out!


Next I found the cutest penguins(can you see a pattern occurring?) at The Purl Bee. The minute I saw them, I knew I had to make my own. Finding the perfect black and white fabric was fun and I actually had to buy some extra...not enough variety in my stash. So without further ado, I would like you to meet my little guys!

I had to dress them up since they were standing on snow and needed their scarves to keep them warm.



I have plans to make more of them and have my own penguin farm. I just love the cute little guys in tuxedos!


After I finished these projects, I decided that my grandchildren really need some new pillowcases. I had some really neat owl fabric(told you there was a pattern appearing!) but had to find some coordinating fabric that was appropriate for both a boy and a girl. I used the fun tube pattern I found at Michigan Star Easy Tube pillowcase. If you have never made a pillowcase in this fashion, you must try! It is quick and easy and your pillowcase turns out so perfect!

I love using the bright green cuff with the contrasting chocolate polka dot trim. Great for a boy or a girl!

Next up in my sewing were some cute little pincushions. I used my favorite bird fabric that I noticed must be a favorite of Kathy from Kwilty Pleasures. I have made a coin purse from it as well, and am down to almost none of the fabric left....insert sad face.I added some lace to make this pincushion special.  I also used some cute little rooster fabric for two more pincushions.




I filled my pincushions with crushed walnut shells...and that was an adventure! Everywhere I read to go to a pet store and look in pet bedding for the crushed shells.  Well, it took several different pet stores and some questioning looks when I told them I wanted the shells for stuffing pin cushions.They kept telling me it was lizard bedding. No lizards for me!  Guess that is what makes life so much fun; different strokes for different folks.

Hope you aren't getting tired of my birdie experience because I have a few more items I made. I had so much fun doing all of this! My next projects were some kindle covers...of course I couldn't just make one...I had to do three(and I only have one kindle but heck, I can change them when I change my mood!)
A cute little appliqued  robin, some blue birds and of course, more owls!
It was fun looking for just the perfect button for each one. Luckily when Joann's had their buttons on sale for 50% off, I bought 5 little jars of buttons in different colors, each filled with all sizes, shapes and shades. I am set for life with buttons by the way!!!!

Next I tackled clutches! The first one I made was one that I just stitched together as I went along. You will recognize the cute little owls one more time! I decided on a matching key fob. After finishing these, I found a wonderful pattern from Michelle's Patterns (although I don't see it listed anymore)


My little design and matching key fob

Michellepatterns insert clutch

I lined the clutches with the deep chocolate polka dotted fabric that I used on my pillowcases.

 I thought I was through with clutches when I found yet another owl fabric I had saved for the Birdie hop....this time a really pretty Japanese pattern.
I really love this clutch because I love the fabric!



OK. I am almost through. Again I turned to Michelle's patterns for her Reusable grocery bag. This is a really easy pattern to make and you end up with a cute shopping bag. You are being "green" and stylish at the same time.
I love this chicken fabric and I had the perfect matching blossom fabric for the lining and handles.


 OK, I am finally finished showing off all of my sewing.  Have I forgotten anything????...YES! I have a Giveaway for you(unless you are tired of giveaways after all the fun we have had at SewMamaSews Giveaway Day!) I think I found a really fun thing for everyone....a Moda Sudoku Quilt Blocks in Oasis by Three Sisters!





Box contains 9 5x5 squares of 9 different fabrics(81) charm squares total from one collection, plus a project sheet (yes you have to solve a sudoku!)  Fabric for sashing , border and binding is not included. All you need to do is make a comment on this post about your favorite game or puzzle. (For me, it is crossword puzzles or any similar word game.) For a second chance follow me on Bloglovin! Make sure I have a way to get in contact with you if you win. Giveaway will end on May 15th at 8 PM EDT.

  

 I want to thank  Madam Samm for all of her hard work on all the wonderful hops she thinks up. Special thanks to our head cheerleader Mary who worked so hard to keep us all in line and working on our projects! Don't forget to visit everyone else who has birds to show you today, May 10th:


102 comments:

  1. Great job on everything ! !!!!

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  2. Holy Smokes....you've been busy ! Great projects. Love the little pincushion story.

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  3. All your projects are wonderful! Great job you did on your first time applique! You don't want to see my first applique project, yikes! lol

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  4. Wow what a great bunch of birds! The penguins are super cute. Thank you for sharing.

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  5. Oh my gosh you were so busy. I love the pincushions! Thank you for the great parade.

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  6. Love your owls, very cute :)
    Hmmm, I really actually enjoy Sudoku!

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  7. Such sweet, sweet projects! I love the pincushions and clutches. Favorite puzzles? Well, every day I do 2 crossword puzzles, a cryptoquip, a jumble and a sudoku! Guess I'm hopelessly hooked!

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  8. So many wonderful birds. Love them. Thanks for sharing
    Frederika

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  9. My oh my, you have been busy! All of your projects are just lovely.

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  10. What a wonderful array of projects. I am especially drawn to the pin cushions. Great job.
    swalker287 (at) aol (dot) com

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  11. All these projects are adorable... my favourite is the little owl pouch with the matching key holder... love them! Thanks for sharing.

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  12. What a lot of cute projects! I do love the penguins with the scarves. Hubby and I do the NY Times crossword every week. Takes most of the week to get it done.

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  13. You have been so busy making many beautiful thing. My favorites are the penguins. They are so cute.
    Thanks for being part in this hop and sharing your creativity

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  14. Everything looks wonderful you did an awesome job and your penguins are the best in my book....thanks for sharing

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  15. All your projects look wonderful. That is a very unusual give away. Very nice.

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  16. What a wonderful collection of projects! Thanks for sharing. I love the penguins!

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  17. Wow you are prolific! I love all your projects, but especially the penguins! My favorite game is Scrabble since my husband and I play it almost every evening.

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  18. Wow! You have been very busy. Such nice projects.

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  19. I am a curretn follower via Bloglovin

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  20. I was never much for games growing up. But if I had to choos eone it would be tic tac to or hide & seek or monopoly. Thanks for the chance to etner your giveaway. All of your projects are amazeing. But The owls are my favorites. I love love love owls..

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  21. I adore them all but those penquins. just got me smiling. and you will see why...

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  22. Oh my!!! you went right to town didn't you!! Love them all. but the penquins...too cute

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  23. What great projects :)

    ukcitycrafter@live.co.uk

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  24. Love love love your bird projects! and I think I see Madame Samm did too! :)

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  25. I am in love with those penguins..love, love, love!!!

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  26. My favourite board game is scrabble though I haven't played it for a while with my husband.
    Like your industry!

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  27. You are a lady after my own heart. If one project is good 3 is better! I love, love all of your bird fabric projects and bird projects. The penguins are adorable. (word search) Thank you for being part of this hop.

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  28. your penguins are beautiful! My favorite board game is Scrabble and favorite card game is Cribbage.

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  29. Love the penguins. They are great. I used to like playing Whist and Hearts. They are so tiny and fast. Thanks for sharing and for the opportunity on the draw.

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  30. I like both Sudoku and crosswords. You made SO many cute bird projects. Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win!

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  31. Fabulous projects! and I love the fabric you used for the grocery bag!
    I love killer sudoku!

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  32. Wow! You were busy with all these beautiful projects. Those little penguins are adorable, as are all of your sweet creations!

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  33. Your birds are all so sweet, but I love the penguins!!! You really have some fabulous bird fabrics in your stash - especially that black and white on the pincushion. You did an awesome job with your bird challenge.

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  34. Sue, you have been a busy bee! I love the variety of birds you worked with for this hop!such cute fabric!!! My favorite board game would be Scrabble and I do love a great game of Cards...Hearts or Rummy.

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  35. wow! So busy! Great projects. Scrabble is my favorite board game--I play Words with Friends on fb, but I have 1 friend that is almost impossible to beat!

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  36. Actually Sudoku is my favorite game! I take a book with me wherever I go to help pass the time. Love your little birds!
    hulseybg at gmail dot com

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  37. What a great bunch of cute projects!!! I love the penguins!
    My favorite game is Bananagrams. (Go figure. I'm a wordy person!)

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  38. Wowie!! You've gone bird crazy. Do I love all your projects. What fun totes and key fobs, etc. Can I put in an order for one of everything?
    :-)

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  39. I love word games--particularly Scrabble, Crossword Puzzles, Cryptograms, Boggle, etc. I also love all types of Sudoku.

    You bird items are cute. You were busy.

    senstrings (at yahoo dot com)

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  40. Love the penguins the best! So darn cute. My fav game is Scrabble. I even have it on my computer and play against various levels of difficulty.

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  41. Wow, you have been a busy, busy girl making all the eye candy! I like the penguins best, I think. Lizard bedding is walnut shells?? I will remember that the next pin cushion I make. Good info. THX too for the pillow case link.

    Fav game? I don't know but I play a lot of La Belle Lucie with a draw or House on the Hill in Sol Suite solitaire games. Occ do suduko too

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  42. LOVE those penguins - I very nearly made one for today on the hop as well!! I do love funny birds and penguins are the funniest of them all!!! Great stop on the hop!

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  43. Oh my goodness,you have so many cute projects! Those owls were adorable and then the mug rugs.I like how you added the igloo for the penguin and then those penguins with their printed tuxedos! How cute. Thanks for sharing all those amazing birds.

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  44. I love all your cute birdies! You were sew busy!! Thanks so much for all the inspiration and the lovely chance to win ... :) Pat

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  45. Oh my goodness! You have been one very busy lady! What adorable projects, but I have to say that those penguins are just the greatest!

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  46. My! You really did a great job, what a sweet projects! I do love your penguins, they are soooo cute! Thanks for sharing!

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  47. You have been busy, busy, busy! I love everything, especially the lacy pincushion. Great job. Thanks for the giveaway too. My 9 year old son loves sudoku puzzles. My favourite games are backgammon with my husband and Ticket to Ride with the whole family.

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  48. FOLLOW<BLOG LOVIN'!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  49. HELLO! WHAT NEAT PROJECTS!
    THANKS FOR SHARING!
    MY FAVORITE GAME IS SCRABBLE!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  50. Oh my....so many wonderful bird/owl projects! No wonder you were chosen today! Thanks for the inspiration and thanks for the wonderful giveaway!

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  51. Wow! Awesome projects! Adorable penguins. Congrats on being one of the chosen.
    My fav game ? by myself: Sudoku, with others: Mexican Train.

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  52. all your projects are wonderful. thanks for the giveaway too.

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  53. Nancy: rangerer@sbcglobal.netMay 10, 2013 at 2:41 PM

    what a fabulous give-away! Thank you.

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  54. Nancy: rangerer@sbcglobal.netMay 10, 2013 at 2:42 PM

    I have just become a follower.

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  55. Great work on all your projects! I love all the birds. My favorite game is called "Sequence". It's played with two decks of cards shuffled together and a large wooden board with cards carved into it. I bought it at a craft fair.

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  56. I am following on bloglovin.

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  57. Hi!!! Wow!!! Wow!!! I love all of your little birds!!! The owls are adorable!!! I love love the little penguins!!! They are so cute and whimsical!!! Love all the bags and pouches!!! Looks like you had lots of fun!!! Yaa!!!

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  58. Great projects today and congratulations on being in the top peeps today! Don't you love the grocery bag? I have several and use them all the time!

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  59. WOW! I love all your bird projects. You did a great job. I became one of your newest followers. I have to follow you to see what you do next. Oh, and thanks for the give away.

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  60. all fun stuff love the owls and will check out the penguins

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  61. What a cute giveaway! thanks for the chance and way cute birds!

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  62. Oh and I forgot to mention love sudoku, hate crosswords!

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  63. Great projects! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  64. Holy smokes, you made a ton of projects. Love all of them, especially the penguins.

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  65. Sudoku is my favorite!
    And I am impressed with all your birdie projects! Love them all!

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  66. I love the card game skipbo and jigsaw puzzles. Love all your projects.

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  67. You have been sew busy! Great projects all. Congratulations on a top spot. Your cute penguins deserve it!

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  68. I like to play Sudoku...and Crosswords too! Like playin those Find-the-Words with my Grangirlie!

    Looooove ALL your Birdie projects!!! AWESOME creativity!!!

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  69. Following your Blog thru Bloglovin too! :)

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  70. You have been one busy lady! I love the penguins, they are super cute!

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  71. I absolutely adore your penguins. Off to find the pattern!

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  72. You have been busy! The penguins are the cutest things and love the pin cushions. I just saw the Sudoku pattern in a shop yesterday and thought of my sister as that's her favorite puzzle. I like word find puzzles and jigsaw puzzles.

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  73. You have been very birdoliphic and prolific! Lots of cute things. I like the pin cushions best. I love crossword puzzles - hard ones like the New York Times ones. I also enjoy cribbage and euchre.

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  74. Wow, you have been busy. Really cute creations, thanks for sharing. I like puzzles of all sorts: suduko, scrabble, and even jigsaw.

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  75. I follow you on Bloglovin as louster388

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  76. Beautiful projects!!!!
    I love to play Bejewled on teh Kindle or Uno and Sorry with the kids:)

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  77. My favourite game is Life!! Thank you

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  78. My favorite game, I grew up playing games. Since the children are all grown and gone, Now I play Sudoku or Tetras. Sometimes I will play Spider Solitaire while waiting for my server to come up.

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  79. Thanks for all the small project ideas! That's all I have time for these day, so I really appreciated your ideas and your artful birdy interpretations! I like crossword puzzles.

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  80. I love Sudoku! and the pouches you made are great too!

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  81. Oh, you made so many cute things! I used to really like word search games. Sudoku is pretty fun too :) -Leah leah marie 42 at hotmail dot com

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  82. I follow you on blog lovin! -Leah leah marie 42 at hotmail dot com

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  83. I really like Sudoku and a fabric version of it sounds so much fun. Thank you for sharing this. I love your owls especially.
    ks(dot)eyles(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

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  84. I follow you on Bloglovin. Thank you for such a fun giveaway and an inspirational post. I love to see what other people are making.
    ks(dot)eyles(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

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  85. I'm new bloglovin' follower and now I'm off to read your blog hop posting. ;)

    Thanks,
    Tricia

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  86. Oh My what a great flock of projects!! I love seeing the variety of items that you made. You can never have too many porjects and your are truely beautiful. Thank you for sharing them all with us. Thank you for the chance Sudoka puzzle kit. I have been wanting to make on of these. I love doing Word search puzzles and go thru many many books of them. It's something I've always done growing up during he summer time. I also live to do Jigsaw Puzzles.. also from childhood.. I love doing the really big ones of 1000 pieces or more. The more difficult the better. LOL.

    Sincerely,
    Tricia

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  87. -so many wonderful bird projects, thanks for sharing!
    Bente

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  88. What an amazing array of projects! Each and every one was wonderful. I loved the penquins and the shopping bag-adorable fabric. I enjoy playing games with the kids and grands but also enjoy solitaire.

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  89. I enjoy crossword puzzles and scrabble.
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  90. following you on bloglovin'
    nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

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