Example Of How To Make A Cable Knit Blanket? 5 Free Steps!

You can follow a row of eight or nine loops; that’s how to make a cable knit blanket.

 

It’s an excellent project for you to do when the weather starts getting colder, and it’s easy to make!

 

Different methods to follow and various sizes available for cable knit blankets depend on what you’re most comfortable with.

 

Here is your guide on what you need to know about cable knit blankets!

 

What Is A Cable Knit Blanket?

Have you seen the usual braided loop design on sweaters and blankets? That’s the cable knit pattern! 

 

You make this pattern by doing the stitches out of order, so they cross over themselves.

 

It’s a simple pattern that any beginner can get the hang of. It looks gorgeous too!

 

This pattern is perfect for cuddling on a cold night because it can keep you warm!

 

Pair it up with a hot drink and a good book, and you’re sure to have a cosy evening.

 

Cable knit blankets can be regular-sized or chunky, depending on the kind of yarn you use.

 

If you choose chunkily, you can even try hand-knitting instead of using needles!

 

Which Is The Best Yarn For Your Blanket?

It would help if you thought about how well a yarn defines the piece before you choose. For example, single and two-ply types won’t do your cable knitting justice.

 

That is why you should select three-ply or chunky styles. 

 

Any wool will do wonders for your stitching, but Alpaca wool will give you a soft, comfortable blanket that is hypoallergenic.

 

It’s also excellent at trapping heat, so you’ll be nice and warm on cold nights. 

 

Merino wool is also very popular due to its soft texture. In the end, it all depends on your preference; make sure the size is right. 

 

How Much Yarn Do You Need?

How big should your blanket be? The average size for this is 70 inches long and 66 inches wide, so that you will need a pretty good amount of yarn. 

 

For yarn that’s at 150g, you will need thirteen skeins; for a heavier weight like 170g, you will be okay with twelve skeins.

 

If you feel you need to stock a little extra, then don’t be shy! You can always use your leftover wool on other projects. 

 

What Type Of Needles Do You Need?

Chunky blankets need chunky needles. So a 25mm circular knitting needle is just right for this blanket.

 

They are easy to work with because they’re huge, and you can make scarves with this tool as well!

 

Besides your needle and yarn, don’t forget to ready your scissors, tape measure, and darning needle.

 

Now you’re all set to start knitting!

 

Step-By-Step Process On How To Make A Cable Knit Blanket

Now it’s time to get to work! These are tips on knitting a blanket with eight rows, but you can adjust that number depending on your preference. 

 

Step#1. Get your rows ready

Keep two strands of the yarn together and cast on 78 stitches. Remember not to join them in the round. 

 

Step#2. Start the cable pattern

For the first row, purl three stitches, then knit six. Repeat this to the last six stitches, then knit six once more.

 

For the second row, knit three stitches, then purl six. Continue this until the last six stitches, then knit six like in the first row. 

 

Continue this pattern, alternating until you reach the seventh row. 

 

Step#3. Slip the stitches on the seventh row

Purl three stitches, then slip the next three onto a cable needle. Hold it at the front of your blanket and knit three stitches from the left hand.

 

After that, knit three more from the cable needle. 

 

Step#4. Finish the eighth row

Knit three stitches, purl six, then repeat to the last six stitches. Finally, knit six on end and repeat the whole process ten times. 

 

Step #5. Finish off

Continue the cable pattern for six more rows. When you are finished, knit three rows and cast them off. 

 

Weave in the loose ends so your blanket won’t look messy. Now you’re done! 

How To Care For Your Blanket

Now you have your masterpiece, so how do you make sure that it stays beautiful?

 

The crucial thing to consider is if you wash it properly. 

 

Natural fibres like Alpaca and Merino wool need to be hand washed. Hand washing is essential because hand wash will conserve their shape and save them from shrinking.

 

Though it may seem gross, try to wash your blanket as rarely as possible without suffering wear and tear. 

 

Wash it in cold water and use a gentle detergent. Don’t wring or scrub your blanket; gently agitate it to remove dirt.

 

When you finished, could you leave it to air dry on absorbent towels? 

 

It would help if you didn’t iron your blanket as this will cause it to shrink. It will be a waste of wool!

 

Conclusion

This pattern is excellent for any knitting enthusiast to try. It looks beautiful on blankets, and it can keep you warm!

 

When you learn how to make a cable knit blanket, you will make your UK home a comfortable place to relax and recharge.

what is a taggie blanket

What Is A Taggie Blanket Explained For Beginners?

What is a taggie blanket? It is a piece of cloth material with ribbons or tags around the edges. It is a great way to provide sensory and cognitive stimulation for babies and growing toddlers. Sensory toys are becoming more and more popular for babies nowadays in the UK, and among the most popular are the taggie blankets.

Taggie blankets are soft and cuddly items in various sizes, colours, patterns, and textures that create visual and tactile appeal for babies. Taggie blankets are becoming essential for babies in the UK these days, and here are some things you may want to know about these sensory products:

What Are The Uses Of Taggie Blankets?

The simple taggie blanket has many uses, some of which include the following.

Security blanket

You can use taggie blankets as security blankets for babies and toddlers. In these early stages, babies love rubbing tags. It makes them feel safe and decreases their anxiety. 

Comfort items

Taggie blankets also increase comfort, which helps babies self-soothe and sleeps better. Babies and toddlers love to touch and snuggle. These taggie blankets are effective as portable comfort items because manufacturers usually make them soft plush or cotton.

Teething soothers

Some taggie blankets have teething corners as teething soothers for children, providing relief for their gums. Taggie blankets are easily washable and quick-drying, so you don`t have to worry about cleaning them after, too.

Bonding squares

One can also use taggie blankets as bonding squares for mothers to wear. After a few hours, you can give these squares back to the babies to reassure them with their mothers’ scents. This contact helps them feel safe, especially at night or when the parents are away for more than a few minutes.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Taggie Blankets?

UK parents need to surround babies with items that assist in their development during their early years. Here are some benefits of using taggie blankets.

  • Provides stimulation and entertainment

Taggie blankets provide entertainment and simulation for children. With their interactive and soothing tags, the taggie blankets provide a sensory delight for babies. This delight can help improve cognitive and sensory stimulation while keeping the baby cosy. Reaching for the ribbons or tags also enhances motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

  • Helps with early learning

When used for extended periods, taggie blankets can grow with children as they develop their minds. For instance, these colourful blankets can help them with visual identification and colour vocabulary. Manufacturers also make some of these taggie blankets to produce sounds, which can later help babies learn words.

  • Helps with independent learning

It also helps them learn independently through exploration. Taggie blankets increase sensory exploration and can benefit cognitive, language, and social development.

  • Develops the imagination

Taggie blankets can be used both as a toy and as a blanket. While it is great for keeping babies cosy, It can also provide creative play ideas such as peek-a-boo or creative play scenes for older children to hone their imagination.

When Is The Perfect Time For A Baby To Know What Is A Taggie Blanket?

Newborns and younger babies can all benefit from taggie blankets. Although it seems like a simple plaything for children, it can be very beneficial for babies in their early development stages. 

Babies who only just developed motor skills love to fiddle and touch different textures to stimulate their minds. In particular, fussy babies can benefit from these items by using them as safety blankets.

How Do You Select A Taggie Blanket For Your Baby?

Taggie blankets are readily available, but many parents don’t automatically buy the first one they see in the UK. Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing a taggie blanket.

Find quality products

In selecting a taggie blanket for your child, make sure that you find high-quality products. Ensure that all attached items to the blanket stitched adequately to avoid accidents and minimise choking risks. Remember that babies are exploring and curious about the world, so they may pull tags and attachments loose if not appropriately secured.

Find a good size

There are plenty of choices for taggie blankets, as these sold in various sizes and designs. There is no right or wrong size, as this factor depends on the needs of your child. Many find it comforting to have a smaller taggie blanket for transport while keeping a bigger one at home in the UK.

Look for stimulating materials

Some taggie blankets have tags or ribbons sewn in the edges of the fabric, but others include crinkly materials, embroidery, or patches to add more texture. Some even have soft bumps or embroidery for added stimulation.

Ensure safety standard

Based on your location, there are safety standards to follow for children`s toys and other items. Make sure that the taggie blankets conform to these standards to ensure your child`s safety. 

Conclusion

Taggie blankets don’t have to be expensive. What is a taggie blanket? It is a small item, around twelve inches long along each side, usually made of simple materials in smaller sizes. There is no need to pay hundreds of pound sterlings for one. Just make sure that you choose taggie blankets made of high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship to ensure your child`s safety.

how to make a blanket soft again

How To Make A Blanket Soft Again In 3 New Ways?

Plush blankets are soft and cosy for chilly nights, but if you don`t know how to care for them, you will have to learn how to make a blanket soft again. So to ensure that your blanket will always have the luxurious, cosy feel as when you once bought it, here are some care tips to follow:

Ways On How To Make A Blanket Soft Again

Step #1. Cleaning and washing the blanket

  • Follow the UK manufacturer`s instructions

The washing machine may wash most blankets, but some need to be dry cleaned. You have to follow the UK manufacturer’s care instructions on the label as they know best how to care for their products, so their education is meant to help keep the blankets soft and snuggly.

  • Pre-treat stains

A small drop of dishwashing liquid can help treat soiled or discoloured areas. Allow the soap to soak for ten to fifteen minutes and blot it gently with a wet paper towel. For greasy or oily residue, sprinkle a small amount of corn starch onto the stain and let it sit for five to ten minutes to absorb the oil or grease.

  • Machine-wash your blanket on its own

It would help if you washed fleece and plush blankets on your own to prevent rubbing with other materials. If you need to wash multiple blankets, make sure that they separated by material and colour. 

Washing by material will avoid friction, and your blankets can stay softer, longer. Remember to wash the blankets on a gentle cycle as more aggressive cycles could be too hard on delicate fabrics.

Step #2. Drying your blanket

  • Air-dry your blanket 

Air-drying is best for fabrics like fleece as it restores the materials to their original state without the risk of heat-related mishaps or damages. However, you have to remember that it may take about 24 hours for a wet fleece or wool blanket to dry. 

If you are worried about the weather, you may want to consider laying your newly-washed blanket on your ironing board and leaving it overnight instead.

  • Tumble dry on a low or air-fluff setting

Tumble drying eliminates moisture without using heat. Avoid timed cycles as they will use the same amount of heat as regular press settings. If your dryer has heat-adjustable settings, opt for the lowest one to avoid shrinking.

Remember that while it may take longer for your blanket to dry completely using the low setting, it will lessen the wear and tear, which means you can use your blanket and keep it soft for a more extended period.

Step #3. Caring for and storing your blanket

  • Avoid ironing your blanket

High heat can burn or melt the fabrics in your blanket. Even ironing without heat could lead to matting and pilling. Thus, the best way to keep your blanket soft would be to smooth out the wrinkles once it dries.

  • Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals

Bleach is abrasive, and it can make your blanket feel scratchy and brittle over time. It can also ruin the dye on your fabric. Instead, use bleach alternatives such as white vinegar or oxygen-based cleaning products.

  • Remove lint or pills using a disposable razor

You can get rid of fleece pills by dragging a disposable razor lightly over the surface of the blanket. However, you have to be careful not to press the razor down too hard to avoid scraping the fabric.

Why Do Blankets Lose Their Softness?

Most people in the UK wash fleece blankets in cool water and with a small amount of soap. While you may feel that a lot of soap can help make your blanket cleaner, it can be a problem because the excess soap could settle in the base fibres, making your blanket feel less soft if you are not thorough with the rinse.

Blankets also lose their softness due to high heat or abrasive chemicals. Heat, such as in the washer or dryer, can create curling or scalloping of the fabric because of shrinking threads. Ironing is not suitable for blankets either, as the iron itself can affect the blanket`s plush pile. 

Abrasive chemicals such as bleach can also make your blanket feel scratchy and brittle as they damage the material itself.

Other Ways To Make A Blanket Soft Again

  • Using white vinegar. White vinegar helps your blanket restore its softness as it is a safer and more cost-effective alternative than fabric softeners or other commercial products.
  • Using dryer balls or tennis balls. Putting dryer balls or tennis balls with your blankets in a dryer can help fluff your blanket and speed up drying time. These balls are a great eco-friendly and hypoallergenic alternative compared to dryer sheets.
  • Hand washing. Hand-washing is a gentler alternative to machine washing your blanket. You have to focus on dirty areas by spot-cleaning. Soaking the blanket in white vinegar will also help loosen fibres and restore the softness of the blanket.

Conclusion

If you are looking for ways on how to make a blanket soft again, the answer is to avoid heat and abrasive chemicals like bleach. Most blankets, either wool, fleece, or even polyester, start soft and plushy. You have to worry about how to keep them soft, so make sure that you follow your UK manufacturer’s instructions to keep your blanket softer for the long run.

draw a baby wrapped in a blanket

How To Draw A Baby Wrapped In A Blanket In 4 Steps?

Yeah, I won`t be surprised if you ever attempted to draw a baby wrapped in a blanket and found the task challenging, complex, or even impossible. Don’t worry, and you are not alone; many people in the UK, including talented artists, find this task a little tricky, and that is the essence of this write-up.

I am here to guide you on how to draw a baby wrapped in a blanket in straightforward steps. All you need to do is follow all the steps outlined below, and you will be amazed at the result.

Guess what? You don’t need to be an expert or a renowned artist to achieve a good result. You need to follow my instructions to the latter, and you will be able to draw this little complicated work.

5 Easy Steps to Draw a Baby wrapped in a Blanket

Step #1. Getting Drawing Materials

The first thing you need to do when drawing a baby wrapped in a blanket is to get all the drawing materials you need. These include your Drawing Stand, Drawing Paper, pencil, eraser, sharpener, crayons, and other drawing materials you feel will require in the drawing. 

As an artist, you should make it a habit of planning before you start drawing. This habit entails thinking through the task before you, writing down the required tools needed to complete the job, and then making sure everything is ready before you draw.

Step#2. Outline Your Drawing

Next, on your drawing sheet, create an outline where you intend to draw on the paper. You have to use a ruler to make two Vertical lines at the two sides and two Horizontal lines at the top and bottom of the sheet. This procedure will give you a mental focus on where to place the baby when you begin drawing.

Step #3. Start Drawing

Next, make a round shape at the top side of the outline you have created; this round shape is the baby`s head, and we will complete the head as we progress with our drawing. You have to draw this using your very sharp pencil. I hope you are enjoying the flow?

 The next thing you need to do is to complete the round shape you made in the last step into the face of a baby. Are you thinking of how you can do this? It is not tricky; draw the eyes, the nose, and the mouth and then include the ears. 

Picture a baby in mind and make a face look like a baby`s face when doing this. You have to be careful at this stage by making sure the baby`s face that you are drawing resembles that of a baby.

After doing this, you need to draw the baby`s hair. It would help if you used your dark pencil to show this effect. You should draw hair to show that the hair is a bit curly, just like we know that of a baby. That shouldn`t be hard, I guess!

Now, it is time to draw the Sketch for the Blanket. To draw this, you need to make an irregular cylindrical shape around the drawn €˜head of the baby`. The length of this sketch depends on how long you want the blanket to look.

Step #4. Do finishing touches on the Drawing

Next, create a design to make the drawing look realistic. You need to draw it to appear as if the blanket covers the baby except for the head. You can then apply your painting using your crayons. 

The colour you use depends on the type of blanket you want to draw. If you follow all my steps, you should get something close to this.

How to Improve your Drawing

Do you have a passion for drawing but often find it challenging to draw? Is your drawing always wrong, and do you always feel disappointed after any of your drawings? Don’t worry, and I am here to help you. In this section, I will share some of the steps you can take to improve your drawing.

Step #1: Practice More

The more you draw, the more confident you are in drawing and the better your result with time.

Step #2: Study other UK people`s drawings

Doing this enables you to understand how they used lines and shapes. This knowledge will help you immensely.

Step #3: Take a class

There are a lot of suitable drawing classes out there. You can enrol in one and brush up on your drawing skills.

Conclusion

Many people in the UK believe that drawing is a talent given to a selected few, but I don`t believe in that. I think that everyone can draw and draw well with enough practice and determination. We have looked at how to draw a child wrapped in a blanket

This task may look like a challenging task before, but I know you can do it now. All you need to do is follow the steps outlined above, and you will arrive at something even better than what we have here.

So did you learn how to draw a baby wrapped in a blanket by reading this write-up? If you did, let me know by commenting on the comment box below.

How To Crochet A Baby Blanket

New Way Of How To Crochet A Baby Blanket?

Learning how to crochet a baby blanket is as simple as two steps. This article explains the ins and outs of making a baby blanket for beginners. However, it`s essential that you already have a pattern to follow. 

Much like knitting a pillow, crocheting a baby blanket requires patience. Still, don`t be discouraged from trying this project even without experience. The process itself is straightforward and smooth once you see your progress as you go.

How To Crochet A Baby Blanket For Beginners

Do not be intimidated in understanding how to crochet a baby blanket as a beginner. We will give you a quick two-step overview of the process and discuss the pattern and border in more detail as you go through this article. Note that we didn`t use abbreviations to guide you much easier. 

1. Start the rows according to the blanket pattern

You can select a baby blanket pattern on the internet to match your desired design. Use a hook that`s a size larger than the yarn label and start the first few rows according to the pattern. If you`re a beginner, we recommend a pattern that uses single crochet stitches

2. Finish the stitch pattern and border of the blanket

At this point, you will finish the pattern until you reach the desired size of the baby blanket. It can be around 34 inches in length for a preemie, but it`s a square shape, with each side measuring 30 inches for a newborn blanket. And as for the blanket border, the easiest one you can do is ribbed.

How To Make A Single Crochet Baby Blanket

Now that you understand the two-step guide for crocheting a baby blanket let us teach you the most straightforward pattern: the single crochet baby blanket in more detail. 

  1. Decide on the baby blanket size to know how many stitches and rows you`ll need, and make the chains with a crochet hook and yarn. Make one chain and single crochet into the second chain from the hook. You also want to single crochet in each chain on the blanket`s end. 
  2. Your yarn should be high enough for the second row. Make a single chain in every single chain to end and then repeat until you reach your desired blanket length. 
  3. Finally, fasten your project and weave the ends. 

How To Crochet A Ribbed Edge On A Baby Blanket

We have also mentioned earlier that a ribbed border is an easy choice for a baby blanket if you`re a beginner. Using single crochet, add a border around the blanket before following these steps for crocheting a ribbed edge:

  1. You have to know how to make double crochet for one corner and into each stitch to reach the next corner. Repeat as necessary until you reach the first corner and work a double crochet into it.
  2. Slip stitch into the first double crochet and make a front post double crochet into the same stitch. Then, back post double crochet in the next stitch and alternate with front post double crochet for the next stitch until you reach the first row. 
  3. Finally, slip stitch to the first front post double crochet, fasten off, and weave the blanket ends.

What Is The Best Crochet Stitch For A Baby Blanket?

When making a baby blanket, you`ll come across different patterns online, and each may require a specific crochet stitch. The best ones we can recommend that even beginners can try are:

  1. Blanket stitch
  2. Basic single crochet stitch
  3. Basketweave stitch
  4. V Double crochet stitch
  5. Cluster stitch

What is the best yarn for a baby blanket?

You can use most yarns for a baby blanket, and they include cotton, organic cotton, acrylic, cotton-acrylic blend, and silk. Since you want to use something soft to prevent irritating your baby`s skin, cotton-acrylic yarns would be the best. This material is also machine-washable, so you can conveniently clean the blanket without issues. 

What Size Crochet Hook Do I Use For A Baby Blanket?

A blanket pattern will mention a hook that will be suitable for it. But a valuable rule to remember is that you don`t need something too big because baby blankets are finer than your bulkier regular ones. You can also use your yarn as a guide and adjust the hook size down if you find the stitches too loose. 

How Do I Make A Simple Baby Blanket?

It can be intimidating to crochet a baby blanket, especially if you have not much experience. However, you can start by making a no-sew baby blanket to keep your creative juices flowing until you can get your hands on some yarn and crochet hooks. You`ll only need two colors of minky fabric and some scissors. 

Cut each piece of fabric according to your desired blanket size and cut a square out of each piece`s corners. Then, make slits on all sides for braiding and constructing the blanket together. You’ll only need to knot a pair of fringe around the blanket, and you’re done!

Conclusion

Even if you don`t have much experience in crocheting, you can experiment with something small and fine, like a baby blanket. This article simplified learning how to crochet a baby blanket into two steps, and you`re done. We`ve explained a simple single crochet pattern and ribbed border, but you can also try other patterns that are user-friendly, like those we listed. 

what is mink blanket

Free Guide Of What Is Mink Blanket For Beginners?

There are different kinds of blankets, so you might wonder, what is mink blanket?

 

Acrylic is the primary material of mink blankets. Acrylic is a plush material that is famous for its warmth and softness.

 

Mink blankets are popular in China and Korea. They feel like genuine mink fur but are just synthetic fabric.

 

In this article, we will talk about what makes mink blankets appealing, their different kinds. We will also discuss their advantages and a buying guide to help you find the right mink blanket for you.

 

Do you wish to know more? Carry on reading until the end.

 

What Is Mink Blanket And What Makes It Appealing?

Blankets make our sleeping experience all the more comfortable and warm. Blankets that offer those two characteristics are sought after by customers. 

 

Hence, it’s good to know that mink blankets offer those! Contrary to its name, no animals harmed in the making of this blanket. It does not contain any animal fur. 

 

The material is acrylic woven to feel like mink fur. Generally, it is 85% acrylic and 15% polyester. The polyester defends it from wrinkles, while the acrylic makes it feel soft. 

 

What draws people in the United Kingdom to using mink blankets is their softness, a well-known characteristic of Korean mink blankets. 

 

Types of mink blankets

Mink blankets perform their blanket duties well. However, you should also know the different types of mink blankets that would fit your blanket preferences. Here are some of them.

 

  • Korean mink blanket – This type of mink blanket is the standard of quality among mink blankets. They are soft and luscious because of their lush acrylic and polyester blend. 

 

However, they mainly called ‘Korean’ mink blankets because they produced and exported from Korea.

 

  • Vietnamese mink blanket – This one is catching up in the mink blanket market. It is new, but quality-wise, it is between Chinese and Korean mink blankets. It is good enough in terms of quality. 

 

Also, its name is like so because it produced and exported from Vietnam. 

 

  • Chinese mink blanket – This one is famous alongside Korean mink blankets but not as much as the former. It has subpar quality as compared to Korean mink blankets as well.

 

Chinese mink blanket mainly made of polyester, which means it is not as soft as Korean mink blankets. However, this makes them more practical.

 

  • Single-layer mink blanket – This is precisely what its name sounds like, single-layered. This type of mink blanket is ideal for not-so-cold nights!

 

  • Double-layer mink blanket – Compared to the single-layer one, this one is thicker because it has double layers. The thickness makes it perfect for heavy winters when you need extra warmth.

 

What are the advantages of mink blankets?

Like all blankets, mink blankets make you feel snug. However, what sets it apart from other blankets is that its softness provides an additional soothing and relaxing feeling. 

 

It will make getting out of bed more challenging. However, it makes sleeping more comfortable and warm. 

 

What to consider when buying mink blankets?

Personal taste is one thing to consider when buying mink blankets. However, it is best to be sure if the blanket’s softness, plushness, and silkiness are up to your taste.

 

You will use the blanket in your most relaxed state. Hence, it should be up to your level of comfort.

 

Another thing to consider is the layer and size. For this, it is best to consider your weather as well.

 

There is also the ply level. Double-ply mink blankets are reversible and have designs on both sides. They do not only add aesthetics but also add warmth.

 

Last but not least, you have to consider your budget. Before diving into the mink blanket market, it is better to research first.

 

Having a fair estimation of your budget is necessary. It is so you can narrow down your choices about which blanket to buy.

 

Can you use mink blankets daily?

Mink blankets offer warmth. Hence, it is not surprising that people think it’s only for winter.

 

However, you can use mink blankets daily. They are also durable, which is why they can withstand daily use. They are low maintenance despite their luxurious feel. 

 

How to take care of mink blankets?

Mink blankets are not challenging to clean. Most of them can be machine-washed and tumble dried. Just make sure to wash them in cold water and tumble dry them in low heat. 

 

As for detergents, make sure not to use strong detergents with bleach. Strong detergents may negatively affect the design and colour of your blanket. Therefore, you should use gentle detergent instead.

 

After washing, mink blankets tend to be heavy, but that does not mean you should wring the water out to dry them. Please let them dry naturally while hanging them. There is also the option of low-heat tumble dry! 

Conclusion

All in all, we hope we have answered your question on what is mink blanket. It is style and comfort woven into one great blanket. It is the ideal blanket meant to give you the best sleeping experience!

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