February Creations

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Hello Y’all!  It’s already almost half way through the month and I feel as if I’m playing catch up with my blog already.  I’ve been busy – no, no, really I have – well sometimes I’ve been busy – other times ………  let’s just say I’ve watched a few movies, and read a few books and done a bit of knitting

Jos jumper 2

It’s a richer brown than is showing, flecked with gold  and this is the pattern

Elation free Cable Aran Knit Sweater Pattern Elation or buy as knitting kit

It’s a free pattern from Artesano Yarns in the UK – isn’t it lovely!!  My ED will love this for our coming winter.

And I’ve been receiving gifts!

I’ve been really touched by the kindness of people in this blogging world again.  In a recent post on the blog Love Those Hands At Home I mentioned to Kerry that I loved the little white crocheted place mats she was readying to put into her shop.  The next thing I knew they were delivered by my friendly postal lady and Kerry’s placemats now adorn my table and a couple of other places too – aren’t they pretty!

Kerrys mat 1 Kerry's mat 3

The post delivered a completely unexpected thank you gift just over a week ago.  Robin was a recipient in the Christmas Light Catcher giveaway and she sent me a thank you note and a copy of her CD – a collection of lovely folk and contemporary music played on her flute.  I was surprised and delighted by her kind gesture.  Thank you Robin, I am enjoying it very much – I’m so in awe of people who can make music!

Flute CD

Then I received another gift – from my friend Norah in Australia who didn’t receive a Light Catcher in the giveaway, but who did nominate her friend Robin [above] and who simply decided to send me a beautiful thank you note and a lovely inspirational book which has made it to the bedside table for dipping into before sleep.  Isn’t this the kindest thing?  Aren’t all these actions so thoughtful and so generous – and so happily welcomed!

I am constantly really touched by the generosity of people in the blogging world – and just want to say thank you, thank you.  I am really, truly blessed and absolutely require no more gifts!

Norah and I recently had a bit of a discussion about education.  Those of you who know me well, know I was once a teacher and am rather opinionated about that and about childhood in general.  Norah and I think alike and so she sent me some questions and ran a small Q&A type interview on her blog.

Part I is here and Part II is here if you should be interested.

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My shop was cleared out of Light Catchers by Christmas and I have finally made several new ones, of which three have made it into the shop [found at the top right of this page, under the header picture if you are interested in having a look].  There’s a ‘Mellow Yellow’, one called ‘Purple Haze’ and another called ‘Aqua Lights’.  Here’s a sneaky preview

Mixed pizap

There are three more still in production and I keep experimenting with curly-whirly, mobile types of danglers that will sparkle and jingle and tinkle too.  I haven’t yet found something I really like that is actually affordable for anyone short of the Sheikh of Araby to purchase ……. but I’m working on it.

Here’s a peek at the six strander I made for my kitchen window recently – lots of fun with this one bouncing rainbows and sparkles all round the room.  As always I apologise for my photos and the lack of colour – it is of course all shades of blue  🙂 6 Strand Blue pizap

And for all his fans here’s Siddy again, just going for a drive all windswept and tousled and loving it – and yes, I must clean the car mirrors sometime soon – but really, he doesn’t mind!

driving2 nov 15

I’m thinking about gifts and kindness and contentedness a lot these days.  I feel blessed!  I hope you do too.

Thanks for coming by today today, I love that you did!

 

 

 

93 thoughts on “February Creations”

  1. What wonderful gifts Pauline. You sparkle like your delightful light catchers, so I am not surprised at all the love surrounding you. Siddy’s glorious expression says it all 🙂 Beautiful, happy, shining post. Have a lovely weekend! ❤ xo

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  2. I can see why people love sending you gifts, you are pretty special:-) As always a great post and love seeing your pink hair streaks-love the new look!

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      • how about purple + black tips:-) I helped my daugther do that and it looked pretty neat! Just do the tips. I am allergic to hair dye but if I could I would streak mine:-) Spring is in the air here in the midwest-60 degrees on saturday, but mother nature teases us!

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        • Something new is about to happen, but I’m not sure what yet – I miss my long hair! The seasons are moving on already – last night was decidedly chilly here and I needed to put my duvet back on my bed – I’ve been sleeping under a sheet and cotton throw for the past two months or so. Still, today is the 1st of March – I keep thinking it’s still January 😀

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  4. How sweet and lovely that these different blogger friends sent you lovely gifts! You are such a lovely person who gives so much that I am not surprised! Love the new light catchers very pretty. your knitting is quite impressive and I like the brown and can imagine the flecks are so pretty! Hi Siddy!

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  5. Hi Pauline, so happy I was able to drop by and visit with you. Love the crocheted place mats. My sweet Granny and Great-Aunt Lena had them all over their home (I think they called them “doilies”) and made some for my sister and me. They are so pretty and practical too — good at keeping the furniture free from scratches. My own light catcher (a Pauline original 😀 ) lights up my kitchen each sunny morning, and I like to think some of that light is coming from New Zealand, bouncing back off the sun and back to me. Siddy looks wonderful. Thanks for brightening my day today.

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    • Hello Julia! ❤ Bless you for taking time to pop in! I'm so happy you are getting sparkles still. I think of you and your boys very often and am looking forward to our catch up Skype session soon. xoxo

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  7. Hi Pauline. You have been a busy lady haven’t you? The sweater is gorgeous. Love the color. As always, your light catchers are amazing! I don’t know how you have the time to do all of this. I can’t seem to get too much accomplished these days. Your creativity just won’t be silenced will it? (Good thing♡♡). I detected a new hairdo (and some sassy hair color)?? Look at you….. you’re got the creative looking persona to go with the talent huh? 😉 it fits you. I love it.

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    • I don’t feel as if I have been very busy Jan – I just potter here and there and spend an awful lot of time doing nothing much. The short hair was to get rid of the colour and go natural, it all happened some time in late November and the pink streaks were for Christmas. They’ve all gone now and I’m back to silver. I’ll be happy when the hair is long again and tied up in it’s usual style. Although I quite like the thought of banging in a streak of bright colour now and again just for the fun of it. It washes out in 6 – 8 washes so it’s no big deal. 🙂

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  8. Hello, hello lovely Pauline, Siddy and friends over yonder pond. Sounds totally comfortable at your house with all sorts of fun creativity. I haven’t even watched a movie forever and never did see the latest Bond.
    Your knitting skills slay me. I can’t even imagine how you keep track of everything but that looks really involved. I should start making the morning my reading time. I rarely get thru a few pages before falling asleep. In the morning, the moment I open my eyes, the kitties paw me up for cuddle time.
    You’re sweet to include my cards in your photo, thank you P. Your bedroom looks really pretty and cozy. It that rose from your own garden? Every day with Siddy looks like a grande adventure, how could you not every have fun? Keep on Trucking you two….this little canuck is off to bed. Mwwaaaa

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    • Your lovely hand made card has taken up a semi permanent position on the dresser I think K – it’s soooo pretty 🙂 I am growing red roses this year – and they are spectacular and smell so nice – but no, that is a peony made of silk you have spied which lives permanently somewhere or other in the house all the time 🙂 Sometimes having flowers that don’t die is a handy thing……. Enjoy cuddling with your kitties xoxo

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  10. Pauline, what lovely gifts. This blogging world is amazing. How else would I have been lucky enough to meet you? I loved reading through all the wonderful comments here.

    It’s exciting to see the different variations on the sun catchers. It’s a medium that allows for the play of colors and shapes, sizes and texture. What fun.

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    • Hello Alys 🙂 We both know how amazing this blogging world is don’t we! I hope I don’t go on too much about it – but I am constantly astounded! 🙂

      I’m trialling some bigger, heavier light catchers in my kitchen window. With the window open and letting the breeze/wind blow them about a bit. It makes a mesmerising display that constantly changes as the sun moves position and the dangles dance about in the breeze …………. and I admit to just watching it all for quite a few minutes at a time. Really fun. I just have to make sure I have made them strong enough and well balanced enough not to cause damage. Its a bit like living in a disco with those rotating lights – only kinder 🙂

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      • Disco Pauline! You’ve got a new nickname my dear.

        I wonder if you might catch some of that action with the video feature on your phone. It would be wonderful to see and hear them together. I can see how you might have a problem with the heavy crystals knocking together. Is that what you mean?

        I plan to place a birthday order soon. I’ll gather the details first, but I’m early. It’s not until July!

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        • Just call me John Travolta 😀 Yes, I’m checking balances and swing and whether or not windows get broken 🙂 Mostly it’s to make sure the fittings and connections are strong enough to hold the weight, especially when I make super long ones and more than three strands. I’m working on some round ones, like mobiles too which is very exciting. I’ll have a go at catching the action on film – good idea! July does seem a very long way away …….. You are such a wonderfully supportive friend! xoxo

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          • Ha! John Travolta went from adorable to creepy in the past few years. It’s kind of hard to fathom that I once had a huge crush on him. I was 17 though, and tastes do change.

            I hadn’t even thought about the breaking of windows possibilities; that’s no good.

            I already have a draft email ready to send to you. I just need to gather a few more details before I set you loose. 🙂 I’m so glad you’re having fun with them. You really are a contented crafter making cards, light-catchers, sweaters, scarves and paintings, not to mention your outdoor garden patio. Weeeeeeee!

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  11. It makes me so happy to hear of the reading, and the knitting, and the movie watching. Such comforting, happy things and they are so well deserved, Pauline. and the 6 stranders are so full of beauty and light. Just like you

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    • I got your email and spent a bit of time admiring your friends trip around the North Island. Were they on bikes? I’ve had a pretty laid back time of it all things considered 🙂 I’m so happy when I’m left to potter about and make stuff 😀

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  12. What lovely and thoughtful gifts, and truly deserved 🙂 You have been busy with the new light catchers, they are looking good, great names too! I can’t wait for the Spring to arrive here and for my beautiful light catcher to spread rainbows around the room again.

    Your knitting in the gold flecked yarn looks lovely and I really like the choice of pattern with that neckline, it’s going to look stunning.

    Little Siddy looks in his element there riding in the car, such joy!

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  13. I love the new light catchers but I LOVE mine the best. I also love that neckline of the jumper and seeing Siddy! What a delight he is. <3. I do indeed feel blessed. ❤

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  15. Oooh, I like that sweater and its shape. Very nice. I like your new light catchers as well, especially the new shapes in the golden sands one. Ah, Pauline, keep creating! And reading famous authors! I loved your book pile.

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  17. I read your interviews with delight – and am in awe of anyone who might study quantum physics! When I began teaching, on a sunny day you could take a class down to paddle in the local stream, catch cockabullies, and write poems. By the time I finished teaching, the sun was too dangerous to go out into, the stream was too dangerous to paddle in, little fish were not to be anthropomorphised, and the students were too busy “getting educated” to have time to write a poem. I was blessed with creative teachers – I remember the headmaster calling an assembly, announcing it was a “lovely day” and declaring a fun-filled day of all sorts of fun things involving water! I’m sure every student studied harder as a consequence!

    As “a famous American author” once wrote: “My cat knows. She is used to uselessness… Just how dumb is that?”

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    • We share a teaching time line Bruce! You have just encapsulated the change perfectly in your comment. It could be, it should be, a short story! It’s a crazy world isn’t it – but change is afoot 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed reading Norah’s posts – it was barely a scratch in the tip of the iceberg I am still so very enthusiastic and opinionated about these things. I like that famous American author’s lines. I’m reading a poem or two from her every night and crying or laughing or feeling something…………

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  18. As someone who is up to her eyebrows in Netflix “Breaking Bad” I salute you Ms Pauline oh fellow imbiber. LOVE the jumper, those placemats are truly scrumptious you lucky duck and have you ever thought about using embroidery hoops to have a circular medium for your gorgeous beady creations? That way you could stagger them in a spiral if you liked. Another splendiferous post 🙂

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  19. Lovely new light catchers. You certainly deserve all those lovely gifts you received. As for Siddy, are you sure he doesn’t mind about not being able to see his handsome self in that mirror? Great photo! Give him a hug from me. Hicks send him a manly woof!

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  20. What a wonderful, uplifting post. You deserve all that is good. The presents are lovely. It’s always nice to be reminded that there are truly good people out there. Love the new danglers. And Siddy is always precious. He’s such a happy sort. Warm hugs and good thoughts to you and all around you.

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  21. With a heart like yours, I’m surprised that your mailbox is not overflowing each day. Such beautiful table scarves. I did not know they could be knit. Love the light catchers as always, but the purple with butterflies tends to always take center stage for me. Your sweater for ED is going to be beautiful. I love the design. I can see how busy you have been. And you must always give yourself down time to read and restore. It heightens creativity. Of course Siddy would love to feel with wind in his hair too. Just like the rest of us. What a sweetheart he is. Hugs to you and a snuggle to Siddy. I know what you mean about being behind.

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    • My mailbox has overflowed enough Marlene – now with all these comments my heart also overflows!
      I am loving my ED’s sweater, it is going to look the bees knees and keep her warm too 🙂 And you are right too about the down time. It is always a flowing process isn’t it. I’m slowly getting used to being slower. 🙂 Siddy is a constant joy in my life – he is quite amazing I think. I mustn’t forget Orlando either, he doesn’t get so much press time any more but he is still as cute and adorable as he ever was and now and again bests the pup in hilarious ways.
      I hope yuor winter is rounding down a bit and that you are looking ahead to spring time and all the new life and energy that will bring. xoxo

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      • Ah, yes. We must not forget sweet Orlando. He has not been center stage for awhile now. I’d be happy to give him a good ear rub were I close enough. Funny thing is I love winter down time. Spring is lovely but it means more outside work and then I have no time for the inside stuff. We’ve had too mild a winter so the bugs have not gone dormant. 😦 But spring brings it’s own good and I cherish each minute of each different day. Saw a rainbow out my sewing room window yesterday. Stunning. Looking forward to seeing the sweater complete in that lush brown. Hugs. 🙂

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  22. I have just spent some time reading your interview posts and comments chez Norah and thoroughly enjoyed them. Though I have been a teacher all my life….in one capacity or another…it wasn’t until I was a middle-aged adult studying for my Master’s degree in Art Education that I discovered Steiner and was elated to find such a kindred soul. Pestalozzi, Froebel, Montessori all were wonderful, but spending some time observing the goings on in a Waldorf School was the crème de la crème. What a difference from the schools I had known, both public and private! We have several Waldorf schools, thriving here in Maine. I would send any child of mine there in a heartbeat.

    Your knitting looks masterful. I haven’t knitted since I moved, two years ago. I keep thinking I will take up the needles again, but so far have not moved to do so. And….I loved the placemat you display, as well as that book of poetry by “a famous American author”, as Bruce is wont to say. I think I wondered, once or twice, about the derivation of Siddy’s name…I didn’t know it was Siddhartha! Fabulous! Your light catchers are as lovely as ever…I so enjoy mine. It’s hung from my piano light and does its thing all over the walls and keys there at a certain time of day, inviting me to improvise as I play.
    In sum, I have thoroughly enjoyed this post, and I hope you know there is a boat load of affection and appreciation always sailing your way from the many hearts you touch, not the least of which is mine.

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    • My delightful famous American author friend!! Thank you for such a lovely, welcome comment, you have quite made my morning!! Yes, Siddy is named after the Buddha and the name is proving appropriate – see an earlier response to a comment I made here. Feeling a bit smarty-pants at the time of his naming I spelled it ‘Sid-Arthur’ thinking no-one would catch it. But the vet shyly asked if the receptionist had mis-spelled his name. 🙂 Caught out!!

      I am always happy to hear news of light catchers doing their thing. And so entranced by the thought of you improvising to dancing sunbeams – I have not got a musical bone in my body! Except for the ability to appreciate almost all genres of the stuff.

      Why am I not surprised to hear you have had some connection to Waldorf Schools? And the art – which always drove me bonkers – but which imprinted me in ways imperceptible and mysterious. My work with the curriculum and human development remains one of my great joys in this life and informs all the ways I live and view life.

      You know don’t you that the boat sails both ways……….. xoxo

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        • I was just thinking you should take up those knitting needles again – or a crochet hook even – it is such fun to create throws and hats and wraps and there are so many delightful free patterns available on Ravelry and other places and so much delectable and touchable yarn about – it is quite the sensuous pastime to take up!
          🙂

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          • I agree…there’s a farm not far from me called Good Karma Farm where they raise alpacas, spin and dye their own yarn which I love. I made winter caps with it, a couple of years ago, for everyone on my christmas list. I especially like natural fibers. Of course they don’t work well for busy mums with small children….no time, there, for “hand wash and dry flat!” I like fairly simple patterns that I don’t have to THINK about, because knitting, to me, is the kind of meditative, repetitive activity that rests and restores my best thinking and spirit. Hmm..maybe I’ll do it. Thank you for the encouragement! 🙂 xo

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  24. I always feel so relaxed after reading your posts and viewing your beautiful photographs, Pauline. You deserve all of the special gifts you receive. As for my pal, Siddy…hugs and kisses to him. I love that face! ❤

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  25. That picture of the pupster made me laugh out loud–what a guy! You sound like such a . . . well, a contented crafter! Your new work is lovely and you sound very engaged with it. It’s fun to see the placemats in their new home–they look contented, too.

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    • I love the placemats, they are coming into use in all kinds of ways – you will probably see them quite often as time passes. Thank you again for this lovely gift! My Siddy is such a guy – this is a typical expression of his. He has the ability to gain maximum joy from any experience! My own personal happiness guru 🙂

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  26. I think everyone has said it, already, Pauline. Generosity of spirit begets generosity. Your light catchers are gorgeous and, while you admire people who make music (me too, btw) I envy anyone who can turn base materials into beauty as my life has been a catalogue of the antithesis. Having married a crafty person (in every and many senses of that word) I am surrounded by quilts and woven fabrics and art work that stuns, surprises and sometimes leaves me wondering ‘what was she thinking there?’ That talent I too admire and envy – you have it in – I was going to write ‘spades’ but I assume it’s in small delicate tools in fact.

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  27. Such lovely gifts, Pauline, but the loveliest gift is being surrounded by so much support and goodness. I enjoyed your interview posts, and learning more about your teaching life. If I had been closer to a Steiner School, I probably would have sent my children to it. In hindsight I wish I had spent more time supporting my children’s feeling that school was part of life, not all of life.

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  30. Firstly, I love that knitting pattern! Next, I think it’s lovely that you have received gifts from far and wide – you are a very generous lady – it’s only fair that this is reciprocated😀
    Thirdly – I’ve just spent my early morning reading your interviews over on Norah’s blog. Wonderful! So interesting. I shall go to work this morning with a lightened heart knowing that there are people out there who view education the same way as me (and, to be fair, most of my lovely colleagues). So good to know that when I’m beating my drum there will be a strong and resonant echo – albeit from the far side of he world 😀

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    • We are all over the place Jenny! 🙂 The media doesn’t mention us and the corporations don’t like us – but the world is full of good people working positively for change. Glad you enjoyed Norah’s posts Jenny. She is doing good work on her blog!

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  31. Thank you, Pauline for the lovely mention. You have received these gifts because what you give out comes back to you, hopefully in its multitudes. The placemats from Kerry are indeed gorgeous; and Robin’s CD is a delight to the ears. I’m pleased you enjoy it. The book I sent reminded me just of you and the difference you make in the world. Although February is tripping away from us, at least it holds one more day this year. What will you do with yours?

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    • 🙂 Norah, your question made me think immediately of Mary Oliver’s question ‘What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?’ I love that question – it always brings me straight back into appreciation and wonder for all I have experienced in this lifetime. I shall enjoy the extra day and make a point of ensuring that everyone I come in contact with is left a little happier about their day too. Smiles, after all are free. Thank you for your generosity and kindness, as we both know, and are blessed in the knowing, the law of attraction is inevitable.

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  32. You deserve thanks, gifts and gratitude. You are such a caring and giving person, Pauline. I liked the newest danglers. The mellow yellow appeals to me. Used to be the brighter the better but I have subdued my colors to allow gentleness on my poor tired eyes.
    Siddy seems to appear laughing in this photograph, while riding down the road. Hugs to your household and you! ♡♡♡

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    • I agree about the subduing of colours – it seems to be a part of the gentling process that comes with time. I was not at all in love with the colour of these yellow beads when they first arrived, the shapes are wonderful, but the colours? As I worked with them and I saw them hanging in different lights I grew to like them more. Thank you for your thoughtful comment Robin. xo

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      • Pauline, I like that you are using your festive and beautifully cut hair in your gravatar photo! I really like this! 🙂 ♡
        I like the soft pink-beige-brown color of the cowl sweater you are making for ED. It will be lovely and attractive.

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