UK WORKSHOPS TOUR
Workshops are a great way to meet other knitters and learn new techniques.
Below are my workshops for 2008.
Please contact individual stores for workshop prices, start and finish times,
and list of equipment to bring with you – information listed is subject
to change.
Click and jump to the Month:
January – February – March– April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December
UK WORKSHOPS TOUR
June 2008
Sat 16th June – 25 Beaded Knits
held at the Knitting Corner, Curborough Hall Farm, Watery Lane, Curborough, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 8ES
Telephone: 01543 415 837 Email: theknittingcorner@btinternet.com
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July 2008
Tues 1st July – Cable & Bead Project
held at John Lewis, 62-74 Burleigh Street, Cambridge CB1 1DJ
Telephone: 01223 361292
Thurs 3rd July – subject to be confirmed
held at John Lewis, The Harlequin, High Street, Watford WD17 2TW
Telephone: 01923 244266
Mon 7th July – Tackling Fairisle
held at The Little Wool Shop, 18 Queen Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0AA
Telephone: 01636 814198
Tues 8th July – Cable & Lace Bag Project
held at John Lewis, Brent Cross Shopping Centre NW4 3FL
Telephone: 020 8202 6535
Sun 20th July – A Professional Finish 2
held at Yarn, 55 Chilwell Road, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 1EN
Telephone: 0115 925 3606 Email: info@yarn-in-notts.co.uk
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August 2008
Fri 8th August – A Professional Finish 1
held at Get Knitted, 39 Brislington Hill, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5BE
Telephone: 0117 3005211 Email: sales@getknitted.com
Sat 9th August – How To Design Your Own Knits In Five Easy Steps (part 2)
held at Get Knitted, 39 Brislington Hill, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5BE
Telephone: 0117 3005211 Email: sales@getknitted.com
Mon 11th August – More Blankets & Throws
held at Lana Pura, 1 Horse Lane, Shaldon, Devon TQ14 0BW
Telephone: 01626 873615
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USA WORKSHOPS TOUR – August
Sat 30th August – A Professional Finish 1
held at Article Pract, 5010 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland CA, 94609
Telephone: (510) 595-7875 Website: www.articlepract.com
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September 2008
Sat 6th September – 25 Beaded Knits – half day
held at Knitterley, 260 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma CA
Telephone: (707) 762-9276
Sat 6th September – Tackling Intarsia – half day
held at Knitterley, 260 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma CA
Telephone: (707) 762-9276
Sun 7th September – A Professional Finish
held at Knitterley, 260 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma CA
Telephone: (707) 762-9276
Tues 9th September – 25 Beaded Knits – half day
held at Close Knit, 2140 NE Alberta Street, Portland OR, 97211
Telephone: (503) 288-4568
Sat 13th September – 25 Beaded Knits – half day
held at Hilltop Yarn, 2224 Queen Anne Ave. North, Seattle WA, 98109
Telephone: (206) 282-1332 Website: www.hilltopyarn.com
Sat 13th September – Design Your Own Knits 1 – half day
held at Hilltop Yarn, 2224 Queen Anne Ave. North, Seattle WA, 98109
Telephone: (206) 282-1332 Website: www.hilltopyarn.com
Sun 14th September – Design Your Own Knits 2
held at Hilltop Yarn, 2224 Queen Anne Ave. North, Seattle WA, 98109
Telephone: (206) 282-1332 Website: www.hilltopyarn.com
Tues 16th September – 25 Beaded Knits
held at Village Yarn & Tea Shop, 19500 Ballinger Way NE, Shoreline WA, 98155
Telephone: (206) 361-7256 Website: www.villageyarnandtea.com
Thurs 18th September – A Professional Finish – half day
held at Unwind, 818 North Hollywood Way Burbank CA, 91505
Telephone: (818) 840-0800 Email: info@unwindyarn.com
Fri 19th September – Tackling Intarsia – half day
held at Unwind, 818 North Hollywood Way Burbank CA, 91505
Telephone: (818) 840-0800 Email: info@unwindyarn.com
Sat 20th September – 25 Beaded Knits
held at Unwind, 818 North Hollywood Way Burbank CA, 91505
Telephone: (818) 840-0800 Email: info@unwindyarn.com
Sun 21st September – Tackling Intarsia
held at Cardigan Knits, 3030 State Street Santa Barbara CA, 93105
Telephone: (805) 569-0531
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October 2008
Sat 4th October – How To Design Your Own Knits In Five Easy Steps (part 1)
held at Sheepish, 43a The Shambles, York YO1 7LX
Telephone: 01904 627595 Email: dorothy@sheepishwoolshop.co.uk
Sat 5th October – How To Design Your Own Knits In Five Easy Steps (part 2)
held at Sheepish, 43a The Shambles, York YO1 7LX
Telephone: 01904 627595 Email: dorothy@sheepishwoolshop.co.uk
Mon 6th October – Basic Lace Knitting
held at John Lewis, Oxford Street, London W1A 1EX
Telephone: 020 7629 7711
Thurs 9th October – A Professional Finish 1
held at The Knitting Parlour, 4a Graham Road, Malvern, Worcs WR14 2HN
Telephone: 01684 892079
Thurs 23rd October – subject to be confirmed
held at the Glen Gallery, 48 Fenagh Road, Cullybackey, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland BT43 5PH
Telephone: 028 2588 0354
Fri 24th October – subject to be confirmed
held at the Glen Gallery, 48 Fenagh Road, Cullybackey, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland BT43 5PH
Telephone: 028 2588 0354
Sat 25th October – subject to be confirmed
held at the Glen Gallery, 48 Fenagh Road, Cullybackey, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland BT43 5PH
Telephone: 028 2588 0354
Weds 29th October – A Professional Finish 1
held at Shipston-on-Stour Needlecraft, 24/26 Sheep Street, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire CV36 4AF
Telephone: 01608 661 616 Email: rbx20@dial.pipex.com
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November 2008
Sat 1st November – Knit a Festive Project
held at Sheepish, 43a The Shambles, York YO1 7LX
Telephone: 01904 627595 Email: dorothy@sheepishwoolshop.co.uk
Sun 2nd November – subject to be confirmed
held at Yarn, 55 Chilwell Road, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 1EN
Telephone: 0115 925 3606 Email: info@yarn-in-notts.co.uk
Tues 4th November – How To Design Your Own Knits In Five Easy Steps (part 1)
held at John Lewis, Central Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK9 3EP
Telephone: 01908 679 171
Thurs 6th November – A Professional Finish 1
held at Beatties, 71-78 Victoria Street, Wolverhapmton, WV1 3PQ
Telephone: 01902 422311
Fri 7th November – Design Your Own Knits 1
held at Get Knitted, 39 Brislington Hill, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5BE
Telephone: 0117 3005211 Email: sales@getknitted.com
Sat 8th November – A Professional Finish 2
held at Get Knitted, 39 Brislington Hill, Brislington, Bristol BS4 5BE
Telephone: 0117 3005211 Email: sales@getknitted.com
Mon 10th November – 25 Beaded Knits
held at The Little Wool Shop, 18 Queen Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0AA
Telephone: 01636 814198
Thurs 13th November – subject to be confirmed
held at John Lewis, Bluewater, Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9SA
Telephone: 01322 624123
Fri 14th November – Design Your Own Knits 1
held at John Lewis, West Quay Shopping Centre, Southampton SO15 1QA
Telephone: 0238 021 6400
Sat 15th November – Cable & Bead Project
held at The Yarn Barn Ltd, 173 Eastney Road, Southsea PO4 8EA
Telephone: 023 9275 2555
Mon 17th November – 25 Beaded Knits
held at Create, The Victorian Arcade, Ilkley LS29
Telephone: 01943 817 788
Thurs 20th Nov – How To Design Your Own Knits In Five Easy Steps (part 2)
held at Kangaroo, Knight's Court, Bevernbridge, South Chailey BN8 4QF
Telephone: 01273 400030 Email: orders@kangaroo.uk.com
Sat 29th November – subject to be confirmed
held at Knit & Yarn, 3 Upper Olland Street, Bungay, Suffolk NR35 1DF
Telephone: 01986 895400 Email: gillyb.bell@btinternet.com
Sun 30th November – subject to be confirmed
held at Yarn, 55 Chilwell Road, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 1EN
Telephone: 0115 925 3606 Email: info@yarn-in-notts.co.uk
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December 2008
Sat 6th December – subject to be confirmed
held at the Knitting Corner, Curborough Hall Farm, Watery Lane, Curborough, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 8ES
Telephone: 01543 415 837 Email: theknittingcorner@btinternet.com
Mon 8th December – Socks That Rock
held at The Little Wool Shop, 18 Queen Street, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0AA
Telephone: 01636 814198
Fri 12th December – More Blankets & Throws
held at Purl & Co, 17 Silent Street, Ipswich IP1 1TE
Telephone: 01473 214100 Website: www.purlandco.co.uk
Sun 14th December – subject to be confirmed
held at Yarn, 55 Chilwell Road, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 1EN
Telephone: 0115 925 3606 Email: info@yarn-in-notts.co.uk
Tues 16th December – How To Design Your Own Knits In Five Easy Steps (part 1)
held at John Lewis, Brent Cross Shopping Centre NW4 3FL
Telephone: 020 8202 6535
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Also see full listings on the Rowan web site (www.knitrowan.com): UK workshops listings.
You can contact the individual stores to secure your place on these workshops.
WORKSHOP CONTENT
25 BEADED KNITS
A workshop inspired by Debbie’s fifth title.
This course is suitable for knitters who can already knit and purl and want to have a go at knitting with beads. Everyone will begin the workshop by working on a given sample to practise a few special beading techniques. You will either choose a project from the book to start knitting (you will have to purchase your own yarn and beads for this), or you will knit up some more sample swatches from the book of your own choosing (yarn and beads will be provided for swatches). The following techniques will be covered:
• how to thread beads easily onto your yarn
• how to read a beaded pattern
• how to knit with beads using the slip-stitch method on right side and wrong side rows
• designing your own beaded pattern
Materials that you will need to bring with you:
– sewing thread
– fine sewing needle
– knitting needles (a selection including 3.00mm, 3.25mm, 3.75mm and 4.00mm)
– paper and pencil (to make any notes)
– eraser
– Proportional knitting graph paper will be provided if you want to design your own swatch.
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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25 BEADED KNITS PROJECT (Superstar Belt)
A workshop inspired by Debbie Abraham's fifth title
This course is suitable for knitters who can already knit and purl and want to have a go at knitting with beads. You will be given instructions and advice on knitting up a project based on the Superstar belt using Rowan Wool Cotton. The belt will be embellished with sparkly beads and buttons. The following techniques will be covered:
• how to thread beads easily onto your yarn
• how to make beaded loops
• how to knit with beads using the slip-stitch method
• knitting textured stitches
Materials that you will need to bring with you:
– sewing thread
– fine sewing needle
– knitting needles: 3.00mm (UK 11)
– paper and pencil (to make any notes)
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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SOCKS THAT ROCK
Learn how to knit socks on 4 needles
This course is suitable for knitters who can already knit and follow a basic knitting pattern. Working on a basic pair of socks in DK weight yarn you will be shown the following techniques:
• how to cast on using 4 needles
• how to knit on the round
• how to turn a heel
• how to shape the toe
Materials that you will need to bring with you:
– set of 5 double-pointed knitting needles: 3.25mm (no.10)
– scissors
– stitch markers (optional)
– stitch holder (optional)
– paper and pencil
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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CABLE & BEAD PROJECT
Learn how to knit cables and beads
This course is suitable for knitters who can already knit and follow a basic knitting pattern. Working on a mini cushion project using Rowan Wool Cotton, you will be shown the following techniques:
• how to read cable and bead instructions from a chart
• how to get beads easily onto your yarn
• how to knit with beads using the slip-stitch technique
• how to knit cables
Materials that you will need to bring with you:
– knitting needles: 3.00mm (no.11) and 3.75mm (no.9)
– cable needle
– fine sewing needle
– sewing cotton
– scissors
– hi-lighter pen
– paper and pencil
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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CABLE & LACE BAG PROJECT
Knitted in the round
This course is suitable for knitters who can already knit and follow a basic knitting pattern. Working on a small bag project using Rowan Wool Cotton, you will be shown the following techniques:
• how to cast on in the round
• how to knit in the round
• how to knit cables
• how to knit lace stitches
Materials that you will need to bring with you:
– knitting needles: 3.75mm (no.9) circular needle (60cm length)
– cable needle
– stitch marker
– scissors
– paper and pencil
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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TACKLING FAIRISLE
How to master the Fairisle technique
This course is suitable for knitters who can already knit and follow a
basic knitting pattern. Working on a small bag project using Rowan Handknit
Cotton, you will be shown the following techniques:
• how to read from a fairisle chart
• how to strand yarns across the wrong side of the work
• how to keep the tension even and the knitting flat
• how to weave in yarns on the wrong side of the work
Materials that you need to bring with you:
– knitting needles: 3.00mm (no.11) and 3.75mm (no.9)
– scissors
– hi-lighter pen
– paper and pencil
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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TACKLING INTARSIA
Learn how to master the intarsia technique
This course is suitable for knitters who can already knit and follow a basic knitting pattern. Working on a small phone cosy project using Rowan Glace Cotton, you will be shown the following techniques:
• how to read an intarsia graph
• preparing your yarns before starting to knit
• how to use yarn bobbins successfully
• how to cross the yarns over to avoid a gap in the work
• swiss-darning (duplicate stitch)
Materials that you will need to bring with you:
– knitting needles: 2.75mm (no.12) and 3.00mm (no.11)
– yarn bobbins (for winding small amounts of yarn onto)
– scissors
– hi-lighter pen
– paper and pencil
Maximum class size: 12 people.
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TACKLING INTARSIA & BEADING
Two-colour beaded heart bag
This course is suitable for knitters who can already knit and follow a
basic knitting pattern. Working on a small bag project using Rowan Handknit
Cotton, you will be shown the following techniques:
• how to read an intarsia and bead graph
• preparing your yarns before starting to knit
• how to use yarn bobbins successfully
• how to cross the yarns over to avoid a gap in the work
• sewing in the ends neatly
• an easy way to get beads onto yarn
• knitting with beads using the slip stitch technique
Materials that you will need to bring with you:
– knitting needles: 3.00mm (no.11) and 3.75mm (no.9)
– yarn bobbins (for winding small amounts of yarn onto)
– fine sewing needle
– sewing cotton
– scissors
– hi-lighter pen
– paper and pencil
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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HOW TO DESIGN YOUR OWN KNITS IN FIVE EASY STEPS – Part 1
A workshop inspired by Debbie Abraham’s fourth title
This course is suitable for knitters who can already knit and follow a
basic knitting pattern but want to design their own knitted garments or
accessories. In this workshop you will be guided through the process of how to
create a knitted swatch using your own source of inspiration. The following
techniques will be covered:
• creating motifs, patterns and textured stitches from your inspiration
• how to choose a colour palette
• understanding scale
• how to create pattern repeats and how to make them fit
• choosing the most suitable yarn for your project
• getting the fabric quality right
• how to measure tension accurately
• how to convert measurement into stitches and rows
Materials that you will need to bring with you:
– a source of inspiration (it can be anything that you like!)
– a selection of knitting needles (the size of knitting needles that you
use will be determined by the yarn that you choose for your project)
– ruler
– coloured pens or pencils
– paper and pencil
– eraser
Proportional knitting graph paper will be provided.
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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HOW TO DESIGN YOUR OWN KNITS IN FIVE EASY STEPS – Part 2
A workshop inspired by Debbie Abraham’s fourth title
This course is suitable for knitters who can already knit and follow a
basic knitting pattern but want to design their own knitted garments or
accessories. In this workshop you will be guided through the process of how to
make your own spec drawing and graph up your design so that it is ready to
knit. The following techniques will be covered:
• how to make a spec drawing
• where to get the measurements from for your design
• how to convert measurement into stitches and rows
• making the maths work
• how to transfer your design onto graph paper
• how to work out how much yarn you will need for your design
• writing up your own knitting pattern
Materials that you will need to bring with you:
– a knitted swatch in the yarn and pattern that you want your design to
be in
– calculator
– ruler
– tape measure
– squared graph paper
– paper and pencil
– eraser
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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A PROFESSIONAL FINISH 1
Tips to successful knitting and finishing (a one-day
workshop)
This workshop is suitable for knitters who have knitted and finished
garments before, but want to improve their skills.
This workshop will give you the chance to learn how to professionally
knit and finish your garments. Before the day of the workshop you will be asked
to knit up the panels for a miniature garment using DK weight yarn. You will be
sent a pattern for the back, front and two sleeves. You must bring the knitted
panels with you to the workshop.
On the day of the workshop we will talk through the pattern
instructions and any queries about the pattern can be answered. We will then
assemble the garment.
The finishing techniques that we will cover include:
• blocking and pressing
• joining the shoulders by casting off the stitches together
• picking up stitches around the neck
• sewing in a drop-shoulder sleeve
• sewing the knitted panels together using mattress stitch
• sewing in the ends
Materials that you need to bring with you:
– knitting needles: 3.25mm (no.10), 4.00mm (no.8) and 4.50mm (no.7)
sewing-up needle
– scissors
– pins
– paper and pencil
– the pattern instructions that you have been sent
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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A PROFESSIONAL FINISH 2
Tips to successful knitting and finishing (a two-day
workshop)
This workshop is suitable for knitters who have knitted and finished garments before, but want to improve their skills.
It will give you the chance to learn more techniques to help you professionally knit and finish your garments.
You will be asked to do a small amount of preparation before you come to the workshop.
The finishing techniques that we will cover include:
• Methods of casting on:
Thumb
Cable
Invisible
• Methods of decreasing (fully fashioning)
• Shaping shoulders using short-row-shaping
• How to knit a neat two-row buttonhole
• Knitting and sewing down button/buttonhole bands
Materials that you need to bring with you:
– knitting needles: 3.25mm (no.10), 4.00mm (no.8) and 4.50mm (no.7) sewing-up needle
– scissors
– paper and pencil
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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MORE BLANKETS & THROWS
A workshop inspired by Debbie Abraham’s third book
More Blankets and throws To Knit offers 12 individual projects using Rowan
yarns. Textured stitches, multi-colour designs, stripe patterns, beads, sequins
and buttons are used to create unique furnishings for the home. You can follow
the instructions for a set project, or have fun experimenting with your own
combination of a selection of squares, there are 100 individual squares in the
book to choose from.
This workshop will enable you to learn a brand new knitting technique,
or brush up on your existing skills. You will choose a square to knit up during
the workshop from More Blankets & throws. Choose from textured stitches,
cables, intarsia and fairisle patterns, sequins and beads.
You will be shown how your knitted square can be developed into a small
bag, with advice given on construction and finishing. You will be using Rowan
yarns in a DK weight to knit up your square.
Materials that you will need to bring with you:
– knitting needles: 3.00mm (no.11), 3.25mm (no.10) and 3.75mm (no.9)
cable needle (if cabling)
– yarn bobbins (if multi-colour knitting)
– fine sewing needle and sewing cotton (if beading)
– scissors
– hi-lighter pen
– pencil and paper
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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BACK TO BASICS
How to understand, read and knit patterns
This workshop is suitable for knitters who have recently learnt how to
knit and purl and want to start knitting their own garments. It is also
suitable for knitters who would like to polish up their existing techniques.
Techniques that will be covered in this workshop will include:
• Choosing the best method to cast on
• Basic welt stitches: rib, moss and garter stitch
• How to understand a knitting pattern
• Getting your tension correct
• Choosing the correct size pattern for you
• How to increase stitches
• How to decrease stitches
• Sewing together knitted panels
• Picking up stitches
• Textured stitches
Participants will need to bring with them the following knitting
equipment:
– Knitting needles (sizes: 3.25mm and 4.00mm/no.10 & no.8)
– Sewing-up needle
– Scissors
– Tape measure
– Ruler
– Paper
– Pencil
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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KNIT A FESTIVE PROJECT
Learn how to knit with sequins and beads
This course is suitable for knitters who can already knit and follow a
basic knitting pattern. Working on a small purse project using Rowan 4-ply
yarn, you will be shown the following techniques:
• how to get beads and sequins easily onto your yarn
• how to knit with beads and sequins using the slip stitch technique
Materials that you will need to bring with you:
– knitting needles: 2.75mm (no.12) and 3.00mm (no.11)
– fine sewing needle
– sewing cotton
– scissors
– paper and pencil
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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ST PATRICK’S DAY PROJECT
Learn how to knit with colour, cables and beads
This course is suitable for knitters who can already knit and follow a
basic knitting pattern. Working on a mini cushion project using Rowan DK weight
yarn, you will be shown the following techniques:
• how to read cable and bead instructions from a chart
• how to get beads easily onto your yarn
• how to knit with beads using the slip-stitch technique
• how to knit cables
• how to knit with several colours (intarsia)
Materials that you will need to bring with you:
– knitting needles: 3.00mm (no.11) and 3.75mm (no.9)
– cable needle
– fine sewing needle
– sewing cotton
– yarn bobbins (for winding yarn onto)
– stitch holder
– scissors
– hi-lighter pen
– paper and pencil
Please contact shop/store for start time.
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Email your comments to –
Debbie Abrahams
DA-Handknits, 30 Bannerman Road, Nottingham NG6 9HZ
Tel: +44 (0)115 916 1524
All Rights Reserved Copyright © 1997-2008 DA-Handknits, Debbie Abrahams.
Designed by Still-Media Design – last modified: June 24, 2008
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