Sallygoodin

Mobius Shawl Wrap by Naztazia

2019-12-26T01:03:00.000-08:00

Mele Kalikimaka Everyone!

It's been quite a while since I've posted. Dusting off my laptop to share this picture of a hooded shawl wrap I crocheted for my daughter, Riki, for Christmas.

The pattern is very simple to do too. You can find it free on Ravelry here. The artist, Naztazia, is so talented! So thankful for her pattern! Enjoy!

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DIY Five Dollar Savings Shadowbox

2017-01-29T14:27:00.001-08:00

The following is my DIY version of another brilliant idea brought to us by members of Pinterest. It's a really easy and fun project.

A used shadowbox was purchased at my local Salvation Army. It was grimy and yucky and had some weird paper mache fish in it. I chose to discard the seafood and recovered the background cardboard insert with fiberglass window screen fabric which I taped to the cardboard.

I also had to cut a slot in the top of the frame so I could put my bills inside. I opted to use a wood chisel and an awl to do this. A little sanding was involved to smooth out the edges, and a quick spray of paint was all that was needed to finish.

You could customize the background with wrapping paper or a picture of an item you are specifically saving for or maybe postcards of a destination you want to travel to. I'm saving my five dollar bills "just because" so this neutral background is perfect for me now.

One of the Pinterest folks who has done this project for several years has some fun rules she implemented in regards to this savings plan. I'm using her rules too because they ARE fun! Basically, if you get a five dollar bill in your change, that goes in the shadowbox bank, but you cannot ask for this change specifically. Just the luck of the draw.

I haven't decided exactly where I'll put this shadowbox bank in my home. It can either stand on its own or hang on the wall. Every time I add a bill, I change the amount on the front of the glass. I find a black sharpie marker and some glass cleaner does the trick. (The reflection in the lead photo makes the amount hard to see, but it reads $10 right now.) Not a lot yet, but I'm "following the rules". :)

Are you planning to make one or maybe you already have? Here's to a great year of savings for everyone!

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Easy to Crochet Wine Cork Catnip Toys

2017-01-13T15:32:00.001-08:00

I made a similar version of these wine cork toys for cats a while back. The original article was published on a website which no longer exists, so I'm republishing the directions for this DIY cat toy along with several new photos.

These make up very quickly. I encourage you to make a bunch for your own kitties or as gifts, but PLEASE don't forget to donate to your local animal rescue group or shelter. Playing with toys can help them relax and may bring out a cat's personality which may in turn help them get adopted quicker. So, please get out your hooks and crochet away. :)

(And if you don't crochet......go to the end of this post for a link to my Etsy shop.)

Materials

Wine Corks

Double Fold Bias Tape

Catnip

Cotton Twine

Size 2 (3 mm) crochet hook

Terms (U.S.)

CH = chain

SC = single crochet

DC = double crochet

SL ST = slip stitch

SK = skip

ROW 1: CH 5. Join with SL ST into top of beginning chain 5 to make a circle.

ROW 2: CH 1. DC 10x into center of ring. SL ST into top of beginning DC in Row 2.

ROW 3: CH 1. DC in first DC, 2DC in next DC. Repeat all the way around. SL ST into top of beginning DC in Row 3.

ROW 4: CH 1. DC in each stitch around. SL ST into top of beginning DC in Row 4.

ROW 5: CH 2. DC in same stitch as beginning DC. Then CH 1. SK next DC, DC in next DC, CH 1, SK next DC…Repeat all the way around. SL ST into top of beginning DC in Row 5.

ROWS 6, 7 and 8. Repeat Row 5.

Slip cork inside the crocheted casing. Piece should align with the top end of cork. Stretch a little if necessary.

ROW 9. DC into each DC space of previous row. Repeat all the way around. SL ST into top of beginning DC in Row 9.

ROW 10: SC every other DC space of previous row (in other words SK every other space). This will close the top end of the cork. Final stitch will be a SL ST placed in stitch of choice on top. Pull tightly to cinch together. Fasten off. Weave in loose ends.

To Make Catnip Ties:

1. Cut a 7” length of double fold bias tape

2. Open tape to expose center and fill center middle.

3. As shown above, lightly fill catnip in center of tape. (I eyeball it and try to pour a line of catnip maybe two inches long.)

4. Enfold catnip in the bias tape. Lay wine cork on center part of tape.

5. Tie bias tape in a double knot to secure.

Just wanted to add it is so much easier to crochet the casing and then slip the wine cork inside after ROW 8. I'm kind of embarrassed to say when I first started making these, I had a heck of a time crocheting AROUND the cork. haha (I must have completed probably five of these before I figured out how ridiculous that was). ooooops :)

Lastly, if you like a variety of bias tape, you can make your own like I did. It's easy and affordable with these bias tape maker kits. I love mine!

And for those folks who don't crochet and may like a set of 3, I have some ready made and listed on Etsy too. Here's the link.
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Busy Board - Here's to Homemade Gifts!

2017-01-12T17:07:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share the busy board my husband made for our grandson's first birthday. After showing my husband several versions online, he set out to design a busy board that could be disassembled for transport to the mainland on the plane. (It was the only way we could figure out how to get this large and heavy gift shipped from Hawaii affordably; we took it with us.)

From the airlines website, we found the maximum dimensions and weight allowed for check in cargo baggage. Then a trip to WalMart produced an "underbed storage" container that my husband thought would work well.

Basing the size of the busy board on the size of the container, my husband began to draw out a plan. He used plain pine wood to construct this busy board. Basically the body is comprised of two separate boards. Eric made simple "feet" to keep it sturdy and the body sits snugly in these. The boards are held together with two vertical slim wood pieces near the sides. Everything was sanded well, the wood edges were routed to keep it soft and he finished the wood with several coats of polycrylic (WATER based).

Eric picked up several different types of locking hardware, some light switches, etc. (The lights he wired up to batteries and siliconed them inside for safety. They can easily be taken apart by an adult for replacing when needed.) He found several leftover hardware pieces in our junk drawer which also worked nicely.

He built it. And then disassembled it to pack up in the box for the ride on the plane. After we got to our son's house, it was time to put it back together......

Our grandson loved it! Eric was determined to make it safe. Behind both of the "doors" on the busy board he mounted the door stops VERTICALLY instead of protruding outwards as they normally do. These door stops still make the satisfying noises that little ones love.

Here's a closeup:

We were so happy with the way this turned out. Have you made a busy board yet? If DIY isn't your thing, you can always buy one online.

Aloha!
Pam
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2016-08-30T02:11:00.000-07:00

I Is Kind of Addicted to Left Hand Embroidery

This quote from the movie, The Help, is a favorite of mine. It just makes me feel good. So good I decided to do some simple embroidery on a scrap piece of linen.

I'm right handed so using my left hand to write the text gave me exactly the look I was going for. Embroidery is not something I excel at so this method is a win-win for me. Have you tried it?

Pam

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Loving My New Brabantia Rotary Clothes Dryer!

2014-08-28T11:33:00.001-07:00

I haven't been so excited about doing laundry since I was a kid helping mom with the old wringer washer, but.....

I wrote a whole page about my new spin-top backyard clothes dryer. You know the kind of clothesline I'm talking about, right?

It's the umbrella kind that is also portable so you can easily take it down and stash away when it's not being used. You stand in one place and turn the dryer so empty lines are there in front of you ready to be utilized.

I feel very European, even though I'm standing under one of my backyard coconut trees. Want to get one of these? Here you go:

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P.S. AND........in case you don't have a backyard space for a clothesline you can still use a rotary dryer. Just get the kind that mounts to the side of your home!

Craft Gossip Likes My Good Kitty Karma! Want to Help?!!! :)

2014-02-24T12:08:00.001-08:00

Photo of my hammock courtesy Andrew Mathias at Hawaiian Humane Society

Let me tell you a brief story. I like to help animals and so I designed a corner hammock pattern for homeless kitties for my local animal shelter, the Hawaiian Humane Society in Honolulu. (No, of course I did NOT invent the corner, hahaha, but I did create this original pattern.) :)

Over the past few years I've sewn and donated lots of animal things to the HHS and to many animal rescues and shelters in the U.S. mainland. The animals need all of us sewing for them.....I can't keep up!

You can now access my online version FREE where I have published a tutorial on Squidoo. The great folks at Craft Gossip are helping me to spread the word. So, please even if you don't sew I'm asking you to share this post and this link so we can create lots and lots of happy kitty karma!

Thank YOU for helping the animals! YAY!!!

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My New Decorating and Crafting Word is: eclectiCheap!

2014-01-30T17:44:00.002-08:00

The entire last year from the beginning of summer on was literally a blur. My husband and I began our DIY renovation of our 640 square foot cottage here in Hawaii. What an experience that was!


My New Reading Nook


Renovating Our Cottage

I've neglected my postings and I apologize to those couple of people who may have noticed. ha :) We are still doing bits of finish work but for all intents and purposes the main job is done. I will share a few pictures with you today, BUT I wanted to tell you about my new word.

I made it up this morning and it's perfect for me. The word is eclectiCheap. What do you get when you combine Eclectic style with Inexpensive? You get my new word..... eclectiCheap. (Pronounce it as if you were combining the two words Eclectic and Cheap.) I kind of like it, don't you?

What kinds of projects are you currently working on? Please share!

Aloha for now!

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Easy to Sew Dust Filter! It's Reusable Of Course! :)

2013-11-25T22:03:00.001-08:00

We recently remodeled our cottage and only have hardwood flooring, ceramic tile and a couple of very low pile rugs. Our fur kid is an integral part of our family dynamics and she has the most wiry white hair so I have to vacuum daily. The Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik vacuum with its tremendous suction is PERFECT for us. Bye Bye pet hair and dust and dirt!

Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik Lightweight Corded Bagless Stick Vacuum, SD20000RED

The vacuum came with one filter. I always made sure to clean off the excess dirt and dust from the filter after each use, though I knew eventually I would need to order more filters. So, I did. I absolutely LOVE my vacuum and the new filters are great too, but I decided to try my hand at making my own DIY dust filters.

If you have this particular model you are a SMART SHOPPER and in luck because my tutorial is, of course, how to sew filters for this vacuum. However, take a look at your canister vacuum and see if this same idea can be easily modified to suit your vacuum.

So, here we go:

How I Made a Dust Filter for My Vacuum

Removing Old Dust Filter

I used my seam ripper for sewing and removed the machine stitches holding the old filter to the plastic form. I need this old filter to use as a pattern to make my DIY dust filter.

Carefully Remove Stitching Along Seam Lines of Old Dust Filter

Lay Old Dust Filter Flat to Serve as Pattern Piece

Cambric is the name of the dust cover material found stapled under furniture. You may have used it in upholstery work. It is what I chose to make my DIY dust filters. Even if you've never worked with this stuff before, it's a piece of cake! This cambric was purchased on Amazon and is 100% polypropylene. It is very affordable material. You can get it here: Dritz 44296 Dust Cover Upholstery Fabric, Charcoal, 36-Inch by 5-Yard

Place pins close to edge of filter (INSIDE old seam lines.)

The cambric is so lightweight. Layer the material so you cut out several new filter pieces at one time.

Sewing the Dust Filter

1. Fold fabric piece in half with edges even. In a straight stitch on your machine, sew along side edge 1/8" from edge of fabric.

2.  Sew 1/8" from bottom edge of fabric.

3.  This is what your piece will look like once sewn.

4.  Turn filter right side out and slip over the plastic filter form. (You'll note in picture 3 I rinsed off the plastic form. Now it's just like new!)

5. I used one of those thick rubber bands that come with vegetables sometimes at the grocers to secure the newly sewn filter over the base of the plastic form. You could also use inexpensive zip ties from the hardware store, but those would have to be cut each time the filter is removed for cleaning.

6. and 7. Showing the inside of the filter, over the form and once the form is placed into the vacuum canister.

Does It Work? See for yourself! :)

8. Yuk!!!! Ewwwwwwwwwwww!!! Yep, it works!

9. Lots of pet hair in the bottom of the easy-to-empty canister too.

10. Another look at the AFTER. See how the cambric fabric filter worked exceptionally well to keep the dust out of the motor in the upper part of the vacuum?

Best of All......It's Reusable!

The polypropylene cambric fabric is super easy to clean. Polypropylene does not absorb water so it air dries in a jiffy. To clean this DIY dust filter remove it from the plastic filter form, shake off excess dirt and dust in trash can, rinse quickly under running water. Hang to air dry. :)

These filters take less than two minutes to make. Not kidding! Once you've cut them out which takes like 30 seconds, sewing on the machine may take another minute.

Please let me know how your project turns out. Feel free to share the link to this tutorial so others can give this idea a try. :)
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This is it! Here's the vacuum I've been bragging about. It is a super lightweight but very hard-working stick vacuum on Amazon. You have to check this out! This vacuum cleaner is less than $20!!! Not kidding! Order at least $35 worth of stuff from Amazon and the shipping is also free even if you live in Hawaii like I do. (Or Alaska too).

And IF you should decide DIY dust filters aren't in your future, these are the correct dust filters for this super duper vacuum cleaner. And I've used these filters. They are great too! (For some reason they are listed incorrectly on the Amazon site).

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Advocacy PDF Patterns on Sale - Please HELP MORE ANIMALS!

2013-09-25T16:08:00.002-07:00

ON SALE NOW!!! $2 Each...

In honor of all the homeless pets, and in conjunction with Remember Me Thursday - Pet Adoption Awareness Campaign to be held Sept 26, 2013, I am lowering the price of my two advocacy patterns on Etsy to $2 each! (My Adopt Me Dog Vest pattern and my corner hammock pattern for the kitties.)

PLEASE, PLEASE remember to adopt! Sharing my patterns is very much appreciated. Even if you don't sew, you can purchase a PDF pattern and gift it to someone who does, OR gift the pattern to an animal rescue or animal shelter. Your purchase allows me to continue helping the animals too! Thank you so much!

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Corner Cat Hammock PDF Pattern on Etsy

2013-03-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I just finished my PDF pattern for the design of my corner cat hammock and I'm offering it now for $5 on Etsy. It's an excellent project for animal advocates and animal rescues and anyone who has a cat who enjoys hanging out. That's just about all cats, isn't it? ;)

The 8-page PDF pattern will be emailed directly to the buyer within 24 hours. Pattern is complete with step by step instructions, photos and a list of resources for materials needed.

The corner cat hammock design saves space in a kennel. Both sides of the hammock are suitable for lounging so when one side is lightly soiled, flip it over. :) Read more about the pattern here.

The kitty above is hanging out in one of the corner hammocks I've sewn and donated to my local Humane Society. Studies indicate a more relaxed animal literally can be adopted faster because they are more able to bring out their individual personalities to potential adopters. And THAT as all animal lovers will attest is a VERY GOOD THING! Especially now that Spring is upon us and more and more "unwanted" kittens are brought into shelters.

Please consider ADOPTING an animal at your local animal shelter or rescue. Saving a life WILL enrich your own. And THANK YOU for telling animal advocates about this pattern. Proceeds from the sale of this pattern and my ADOPT ME Vest Pattern for dogs (also on Etsy) allows me to continue helping the animals. :)

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Room Divider Ideas!

2013-01-19T15:17:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought of using old metal bed springs as a hanging room divider? I saw someone do this years ago by suspending the bed springs from the ceiling directly over a HUGE planter box of vining philodendron. It was very cool!

Find more diy room divider ideas here!
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DIY Cat Hammocks!

2013-01-01T18:41:00.001-08:00

Anyone interested in helping animals may want to make some DIY cat hammocks. I've completed quite a few and donated to animal rescues in Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Oregon and my local Hawaiian Humane Society here in Hawaii.

If you want to sew a cat hammock that will accommodate the portable wire cages used by most rescues and shelters, you'll find all the info and links for these easy to make cat hammocks here.Pin It

DIY Christmas Gift - Easy, Quick and Inexpensive

2012-12-20T01:58:00.000-08:00

The local thrift shop had a huge stack of white linen dinner napkins still in their shrink wrap from the cleaners. $1 each.....SCORE! :) I used AVERY light transfer sheets and my computer/printer and photo editing program to make these awesome DIY Christmas gifts.

More info and more DIY gifts here at this link. You still have time to make DIY Christmas gifts. What are you waiting for? :) Merry Christmas!

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Do It Yourself Dog Toy

2012-11-12T02:57:00.000-08:00

Who has a dog or two or three on their Christmas Wish List? This diy dog toy is very easy to make. It's a quick and inexpensive project. Learn to make this diy dog bottle toy here at my just-published tutorial on Squidoo. Find it here.

And please pass along this info to any dog lovers you know. I hope you enjoy this pattern and tutorial. :)

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My Monster Softie - Making Monster Stuffies! :)

2012-10-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

This monster softie is perfectly suited to sit around in our backyard under a banana plant or a coconut tree. I used a lot of remnant aloha print fabrics for his arms, legs and his bias tape hair. (Have you tried making your own bias tape? It's SEW EASY to do. Look here.)

I think he looks like a Monster Tiki Softie....what do you think? Want to make one? I've published my free tutorial here on Squidoo. I think everyone should make LOTS of monster stuffies.....I bet you can't make just one! ;)

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DIY Halloween Bouquet - Eyeball Bouquet

2012-10-05T23:29:00.002-07:00

I seem to have this thing for googly eyes lately. Today I finished another Halloween craft project that was very easy, very affordable and very quick. Want to make one?

Visit my Squidoo page for the how-to and make your own Bootiful Halloween Bouquet. Looks like the eyeballs have got it going this Halloween! :)
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Creepy Scary Googly Eye Fringe - DIY Halloween Tablecloth

2012-09-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I added a funky fringe using metal washers to a white netted fabric to fashion a tablecloth for a small table in my home. I loved the look and published instructions on the website, eHow.

Recently I completed a DIY Halloween tablecloth using the same concept. Black netted fabric, the metal washers with the addition of classic googly eyes all contributed to this Halloween tablecloth that is easy and inexpensive to make. Here's my how-to on Squidoo.

I think it's boo-tiful! It was certainly fun. ;)
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Salad Dressing Container for Lunch!

2012-08-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

I finally found a perfect way to carry salad dressing for lunch. An empty honey squeeze bottle comes to the rescue! It has a secure cap, can be shaken easily and dispenses the dressing like a champ! Try it!

Just stick the empty honey bottle in the top rack of the dishwasher and it's ready! What container do you use to carry your salad dressing?

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BEST Garlic Peeler EVER!

2012-07-28T01:25:00.000-07:00

This innovative garlic peeler is the absolute BEST and quickest way to peel garlic. Simple to use and easy to clean. We use this handy gadget anytime we want to roast garlic.

And here's how we roast our garlic on the grill.

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The Sad Mad World of Animal Advocacy

2012-06-26T02:40:00.000-07:00

Animal advocacy - It's a mad, sad world! There ARE joys and I find myself savoring each victory and trying to make that feeling last. The next one may not come for a day or two, and then again some days truly leave you marveling at the goodness out there.

People WANT to help the animals. How could you not? The depth of your involvement should always come from the heart. There will be a time in your life when you find yourself wondering what you can do to make a difference in the world.

I don't wonder any longer. I'm helping the animals. One animal at a time. Join me if you can by doing whatever you can. Walk an elderly neighbor's dog, drop off some cat food at the local pet food bank...an animal advocate can be found in us all.

Learn more about animal advocacy and how I've been spending my spare time here. I thank you for loving the animals!

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Making a Mesh Beach Tote with Window Screen :)

2012-06-03T00:31:00.000-07:00

Fiberglass window screen and some retro lawn chair replacement webbing come together beautifully in this fun and roomy mesh beach tote. Construction probably took me an hour, but the tutorial took a great deal longer than that. lol

If you'd like to make a mesh beach tote bag, I've posted my step-by-step pictures and instructions on my Squidoo page here.

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Not Enough Paint?

2012-05-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been in the middle of a diy project and discovered there was not enough paint to finish a job? Well, that's what happened to me recently, or actually I thought that was what happened to me. I wanted to paint a rattan footstool a particular shade of green and since I already had green spray paint at home in a color I REALLY liked, I began the paint job.

Once I had finished all the outside of the footstool, I ran out of paint. (Remember, it was a USED can I already had at home.) What to do?

I was stumped. Sometimes my mind just does that to me. My husband walks over and says, "I know you have another shade of green paint in the tool shed. Why don't you just use that to paint the inside portion of the footstool? No one will see that anyway cause it will be covered up with the cushion." And then he walked away. Simple solution, right? But I doubt I would have figured it out. Yep, sad I know, but true. lol

It was definitely a classic DUH moment for me. So if there comes a time when you think there is not enough paint, maybe you should think again? OR take a better look around the tool shed before you begin painting. :)

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ADOPT ME Vest Pattern for Rescue Animals - Another Look!

2012-05-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

Six M/Lg and Six Small ADOPT ME vests ready for pick up.

Weighs less than 4 ounces without donation pockets.

Weighs less than 5 ounces with one pocket - less than 6 ounces with two pockets.

Just wanted to show a few more pictures of ADOPT ME vests I've made from my original pattern. More info here. The pattern is $6 on Etsy. If you sew, please consider making some to sell or donate. If sewing isn't your thing, why not purchase the pattern for your local shelter? I'm sure they have sewists who volunteer just as I do for my local animal shelter. Please help a loving animal find its forever home. Mahalo!
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ADOPT ME Vest PDF Pattern - Helping Dogs Find Their Forever Homes

2012-05-11T23:06:00.004-07:00

I finished a dozen ADOPT ME vests for dogs this morning for donation to the local humane society. This original PDF pattern is my design and it's actually pretty cool. (No really, it is very cool and comfortable for the dogs to wear.) :) Less than 6 ounces for the large vest with two donation pockets.

Dog approved and tested in the field. Easy to sew. This is a perfect project for dog advocacy groups. I have set the price in my Etsy shop at $6 ($1 from each pattern sold goes to the Hawaiian Humane Society) in hopes of keeping it affordable to nearly everyone.
Please pass along this information to your friends who sew and especially to any animal shelters. The more vests sewn and sold.....the more dogs finding their forever homes, right? I LOVE rescue dogs! (That's our lovely Lana in the picture under a coconut tree in the backyard.) :)
Thank you for loving these wonderful creatures! Happy Mom's Day on Sunday to all you moms of people babies and fur babies too. :)
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