Sunday, May 29, 2016

A li'l chair recovering

I adore chairs. Indeed our home has probably one too many, but I try to squeeze them in wherever I can fit them. Though I would love to be able to purchase beautiful and expensive chairs, you know, the ones that have three or four zeros behind the dollar sign, alas I cannot. Sooooo.......I am always on the lookout for chairs which perhaps I can  recover, as one can usually buy once-loved chairs for a song. I actually love to  drag these "upholsterer's delights home with me with the purpose of tarting them up; to dress them in a pretty new cover. As long as the padding is in tact and there are hardly any upholstery issues, recovering a chair is usually 'child's play'!! Mmmm.....did I say child's play????

Way, way back when, I revealed a secret how I love to sit my gluteus maximus on a comfy chair. Indeed, a good part of my day is filled with moments of sitting or indeed lounging my well-padded derriere on a squishy, squashy chair; knitting, reading, stitching, participating in a little tea drinking or indeed just day dreaming. Probably too many moments if I am to be truthful!

I bought this rather cheerless looking chair a few years ago. I actually bought two of these chairs. The princely sum of $30 exchanged hands for the both. Yes indeedy, $15......fifteen smackeroos for each one!!! A BARGAIN!!! Did you notice the castor wheels on the legs? When I bought these chairs, I laughingly said to my daughter, that I need never move my gluteus maximus in my aged and infirmed years; everybody can just wheel me around from room to room!! Soooooo much more comfy than a wheelchair!!


Here is the other chair I dressed in a pretty fabric (blue of course) several years ago. It sits in the 'parlour', with my husband (when he sits...that is,) usually sitting upon it. Yes indeedy, I love this 'new' chair!



For a little while now, my rather dejected chair has been hidden under one of my hexie quilts, and though it looks tolerable enough with my pretty hexie sitting atop it, I have decided now is the time to give this chair a tarted up, new look.



I did consider taking the scissors to my hexie and cutting it to cover the chair, but I decided to do the 'Kim Sharman' thing and camouflage it with a selection of different fabrics, doilies and other treasures that I found. Besides, I don't know if I could cut into my  hexie, as this quilt is one of my all time faves. I love how it has faded with the years and is squishy, squashy. It takes forever for a quilt to become this 'loved'.

Me being me, I had to, had to, cover the wood with a lick of paint. Not white this time but a grey with the lovely name of Marina Pearl.

I wanted this chair to be funky. I used this pretty fabric with butterflies flitting here and there and then proceeded to stitch doilies and patches of fabric to the base fabric.



I found this applique flower in my stash and thought it would look wonderful on the chair. This was a leftover flower from a quilt I stitched years ago. Another much loved quilt as it was my first one I stitched. I am rather partial to old quilts. I can't wait until new quilts acquire that oft used and soft look.






I added some more doilies and thought this fabric with words would give a lovely touch. Happiness...hug....laugh....relax....life....home.....all words which in essence, maketh a home.




To keep with the funkiness of this chair, I wanted to add trims to the bottom that were different. A strip of an old crochet tablecloth, some fringing from an old Italian coverlet, a piece of lace with two love birds and some more crochet edging. I love the higgledy piggledy-ness of this look. I find this muddly look rather pleasing.




I covered the arms with a cream, blue and brown fabric that I found in my stash.


So there you have it, a once rather shabby looking chair, with a less than to be desired cover, now looking rather perky in it's pretty, new cover. Not too shabby at all; even if I do say so myself. I just love how my 'new' chair has come together.



Aah yes......blue and white.....just gorgeous together.



Oooh.... my pretty, new chair looks rather spiffy with my ottoman that I recovered a li'l while ago, sitting next to it.



I must say I had a lot of fun stitching this cover and yes......it really was rather like child's play. =) I can see in my crystal ball, many mornings with me and my gluteus maximus, sitting on my funky chair, with the sun streaming in through the window, perhaps enjoying a little knitting or reading a good book and of course enjoying a cup of tea.




I love my 'new' tarted up chair. And....the best thing is that I didn't have to put two or three or indeed four zeros after the dollar sign. My tarted up lovely cost me the grand sum of  fifteen dollars. The fabrics and doilies and trims came from my dowry of cloth. Now....that makes me a very happy gal!


Speaking about sitting one's gluteus maximus on a comfy chair......I think I might just go and do a bit of that right now and enjoy a spot of afternoon tea. Hope you are all enjoying a lovely weekend.

Until the next time.........


Linking up this week to
The Charm of Home - Home Sweet Home
Bernideen's, BTTCG party
Jann's Share your cup
Mimi's Five Star Frou Frou
Sweet Inspiration Link Party


75 comments:

  1. Just beautiful dear Kim. I love how you have tarted up the chair ... especially love the doilies stitched to it. It goes perfectly with your ottoman. Such a perfect spot to sit & I am busy admiring that rather gorgeous dresser in the background filled with beautiful floral china. Have a wonderful week my friend x x

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  2. Good job !!!
    Your chair is perfect !!!
    Love the pictures too !!!
    Have a comfy Sunday siiting in this lovely chair !!!
    Anna

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  3. You did a wonderful job on the chair. I have a favorite chair that I sit in to blog, drink tea/coffee, and look out the window from.

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  4. I.LOVE.IT!!!! I also love all your teapots and teacups...thanks for the giggles this morning over your "gluteus maximus"...have a beautiful day, friend...

    (and I would gladly exchange weather with you, you can have the hot and I will take the cool, smiles)

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  5. What a beautiful chair! You've created another work of art, Kim! Z

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  6. You are so clever!! I love it. I like blue too and I just love how you incorporated all those elements and appliques. Adorable!

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  7. you have a great eye for fabric and decorating. warm, cozy and inviting...the chair is beautiful!! and yes, it will make quite the fashionable wheelchair!!! (that surely made me chuckle!!!) have a wonderful, rest of the weekend!!!!!

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  8. Another gorgeous creation Kim! Enjoy curling up in it this winter!

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  9. This chair just works!! . I love your recovering of it. Love the butterflies on the fabric. Would love to get hold of a chair and just redo it for fun. Maybe one day. Hugs Valeryanne.

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  10. You have made this chair so beautiful!!!
    It is completely your own lovely work.

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    1. Thank you, lovely Loes, you have put a smile in my heart. The only thing that is missing from me sitting in my 'new' chair and enjoying a cuppa is having a slice of one of your scrumptious cakes. =) Now....that would be perfect! Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my place. Kim Xx

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  11. That is a stunning transformation. Under such a lovely patchwork of prettiness, I'd not have recognised that old chair :)

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  12. Oh my - that is wonderful. I love each and every aspect and inch. What a piece of art!!!!

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  13. My,your'new' chair looks so comfy and I love the colours. What a great job, Kim!

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  14. Lovely Kim, if you could see how many of these crazy patchwork style chairs I've pinned over the years, you would know how much I LOVE this. You are so gosh darned clever. Just stunning my dear, stunning. Mimi xxx

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    1. Though I haven't seen the chairs you have pinned, Mimi, (I must have a bo peep at your Pinterest) I have seen a few round and about. I LOVE them too, but as the prices are rather exorbitant, I have never really been able to acquire one. In saying that, I much rather like my one as I could just imagine away to my heart's content. One of my favourite things in life is diving deep, deep down into my dowry of cloth and see what I find and create something of beauty from my stash. So much more gratifying than parting with a large amount of cash. Thank you so much for your delightful comments, Mimi, you have made my day. Kim Xx

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  15. Your chair looks wonderful after its makeover! And I couldn't help noticing all your lovely china on the dresser there...gorgeous! A perfect place to sit 😊

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  16. Oh my you are just so clever with your projects - such wonderful ideas. And I recognize that delightful fabric with the blue butterflies on it - my lovely cushion you sent me.

    The chair I usually sit in is getting a big thread bare and I might just give it a try and recover it. I don't want to go into all that taking-apart-fixing-the-stuffing part - but recovering might be something I could handle. I think for my first try I will go for just one fabric - or maybe a few pretties on the arms - you have inspired me.

    We bought the chair almost 20 years ago - it is a "Catnapper" brand - which at that time was top of the line, and we paid that kind of price for it - but I fell instantly in love with it - and in over 50 years we have never bought another piece of brand new furniture - so it averages out. It is the most comfortable chair I've ever sat in - and I can't bear to think of it being so worn out it won't look good - so I must start my search for fabric.

    I do love how you used bits and bobs of so many different things - such a clever and darling chair.

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  17. Oh my Kim you did a fabulous job on both of these chairs they look terrific and I love the doily and trims that hang from it, wonderful patchwork. Great deal you got on these and they look like a million now! Many enjoyable moments on these chairs!

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  18. What a sweet transformation--I love it! Your creativity is amazing--can't wait to see what you do next!

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  19. You've outdone yourself with this project Kim - I love it because it's so pretty, but also because it's blue and white (not that I love blue or anything!).

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  20. Your chair is absolutely lovely and so comfy, shabby looking. I want to curl up in it. It does look great with your ottoman!

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  21. Absolutely love this, I would buy that in a heartbeat. I'm looking for a comfortable chair for reading in my bedroom. Great job.

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  22. It is an absolutely beautiful chair now. Very creative

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    1. Thank you so much, Carol. My chair was such fun to tart up and I am delighted with the results. It is probably just my imagination but somehow, my pretty 'new' chair feels so much more comfy. =) Thank you for visiting my place and taking the time to leave a lovely comment. Kim Xx

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  23. Both the chairs are wonderful. love all the floral and patches on the latest one. amazing!

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    1. Welcome to my li'l place, Sugar, it is a delight to meet you. =) Thank you for your sweet comments.

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  24. Your refurbished chair looks amazing. I would be very happy sitting there with a hot cup of tea and a good magazine.
    Have a creative June :)

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    1. It is the perfect chair to sit whilst enjoying a cuppa and a magazine. Thank you for visiting my li'l place. I will do my darndest to have a creative June. =) Kim Xx

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  25. Kim, your chairs are absolutely gorgeous! I especially love the trims at the bottom of the blue and white chair. Two thumbs up!

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    1. Thank you, Gina. I have spent quite a few moments this week, sititng in my 'new' chair, enjoying a cuppa with the sunshine filtering in. Kim xx

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  26. Kim, your chair is absolutely delightful! It looks so welcoming and I could see myself sitting in it reading or knitting. I love the chair and I liked the first one you did, also.

    Have a great time in your "new" chair.

    xo Dianne

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  27. With your unique sense of style why would you ever want to purchase a chair?! It would be just one of many. This one definitely has your personality! I can't blame you for not wanting to get up! It's really beautiful, Kim!!

    Happy Daydreaming!
    -Soma xx

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  28. Oh my Kim, dear one, I just adore the look of your newly recovered comfy chair. It is just too charming for words and such creativity you worked with those magical hands of yours. It looks perfectly at home with your darling ottoman, that I also love. Yes, sitting with a cuppa tea and enjoying it with a hexie patterned teacup would suit me perfectly. Thanks for the lovely inspiration!

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  29. Hello Kim,

    Oh you can certainly had quite a few zero's to that $15.00 chair now. Enjoy that cuppa while sitting on your brand new chair.

    Happy days.
    Bev.

    please don't cut up that hexie quilt!

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  30. OMgosh Kim! When I saw the first chair I thought how beautiful! Then I saw the second chair and it is one of the most beautiful DIY projects I've seen in a long time. AMAZING! I love everything you used to make your one of a kind chair! You must have quite a stash of beautiful fabrics! I agree with the comment above....you can add some zero's to your chair now! It is that stunning! Wish I could do that! Enjoy the rest of the week and thank you for stopping by and your lovely comment!
    xoLinda

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    1. Oh I have no doubt you could do something similar, Linda....you have wonderful stitching skills. I have an Aladdin's Cave of fabrics, laces etc etc stashed away which, for a project like this is perfect. As we live in a rural area I can't just pop out to the corner fabric store to get what I want...I only need to go to my 'haberdashery' in the next room to fossick for what I need. I am so thankful I have been collecting 'pretties' forever. Thank you so much for your lovely comments, Linda, they have made me skip through my day. Kim Xx

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  31. Kim, I've always wanted, but have never attempted, to cover a chair. If I ever get up the nerve, I'm coming back to this post to spur me on!

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    1. How lovely of you, Jean, thank you. Your visit to my place would be most welcome any time. Kim Xx

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  32. This is absolutely gorgeous! LOVE the way this sad little chair turned out. The fabric is so pretty and I love the paint you chose as well. I feel like coming over for tea now :)

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    1. The teapot is steaming away just for you Jelica....and you can even sit in my pretty 'new' chair. =) Thank you for your sweet comments. Kim Xx

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  33. It's amazing enough that you CAN cover a chair let alone create something so whimsical to cover it with! SO glad that you did not cut into your hexie quilt; they are so time consuming to make / that'a a treasure not to be tampered with :)

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    1. Believe me when I say cutting into my treasured hexie was a fleeting thought....I could never, never cut into this pretty, really. Thank you for popping over, Deb. Wishing you a fabulous day. Kim Xx

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  34. You have a great eye for bringing random things together and making them feel like one. Very nice! Enjoy.

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  35. I LOVE it! The distressed paint is simply the icing on the top. It does look gorgeous sitting next to your foot stool. I spied some knitting too. Wishing you many happy hours of stitching away in that chair ; ) If only I could transport it to my little knitty shop.......

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  36. This is definitely the most amazing chair covering I have ever seen! You have done an amazing job, and I love the blues that you chose! I think I could just sit and look at that chair and never sit on it, its too pretty, lol! Have a wonderful weekend :)

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  37. What a lovely chair. I love how you mixed the patterns and they all look fantastic together. I agree, I love chairs.

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  38. Fun chair! Reminds me of a crazy quilt.

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  39. What an absolutely gorgeous chair. There is so much going on you'd never get bored looking at it.

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  40. Beautiful chair Kim, love the blues and whites and looks so comfy.

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  41. Good morning Kim,

    I love chairs too! I have always loved big comfy 1940s styled chairs in chintz fabric. However, my house is way to small for large chairs.

    You, as always, did an excellent job on this wonderful chair. I love the fabric on your husband's chair, as well, although it does not have the flair of this darling creation :)

    Thanks for stopping over to say Hello.

    Happy Saturday!
    ♥Hope

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    1. Hello Hope, Oooh I love 1940's styled chairs as well, but alas, like you, there just isn't the room to house them. Thank you for saying "hi"; it was a delight to visit your place and see how you are enjoying all that sunshine. Kim Xx

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  42. Your chair is beyond fabulous. Enjoy every happy tea drinking minute sitting in it.

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    1. Thank you, Carol. I must admit I am enjoying sitting in my new chair, and yes, there always seems to be a teacup in my hand whilst sitting on it. Kim Xx

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  43. Hi Kim,
    your chair is fantastic! every time I look at it I found something new and amazing :)
    it is good you can't buy new expensive chairs - you have gift to create your own, very personal and for sure they are worth much more then basic cost of it! I bet you could sell them for great price and there would be lots of people waiting for a chair made by you especially for them :)
    Greetings,

    lalkacrochetka.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, you are very sweet. Though, I don't know about selling one of my 'pretties'...they do take an age to 'whip' up. Thank you for visiting my little corner of the world. Kim Xx

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  44. Your chair looks so comfy and cozy and you did a wonderful job with the recovering! I love the mix and match patterns!

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    1. Thank you, Katrin, I did have fun tarting up this comfy chair. Kim Xx

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  45. I so love your armchair covering, sweetest Kim, it's truly so inspiring and relaxing ... your seat has become so inviting, I'm sure that your husband envy it ツ !

    Hope you had a wonderful week, sweetie, I'm sending blessings of joy on your days to come, sending my dearest love to you

    Dany

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  46. It's absolutely beautiful Kim! And I love how you're inspirational wordery leaves me with the belief that I too can do something similar. All in an hour or so! I would love to ask - what paint did you use?

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  47. Kim:
    This post was featured today on my special featured blogs. Congratulations - you deserve it!

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  48. Wow how absolutely gorgeous. I am jealous. I want one too. I so love your blog and will visit often now I've found you.Thank you for visiting me and your kind comments.

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    1. Thank you so much, Jeanette. It was lovely to visit a fellow Aussie gal's lovely place.

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  49. I LOVE this chair, Kim. Love it. I be it could be sold in a high end shop for muchos smackeroos.
    Amalia
    xo

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  50. This chair is gorgeous, a work of art....love it, and joining your blog, Sandi

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  51. Oh my gosh cutie, you amaze me with your talent! You just know how to put everything together so wonderfully. Love the combination of different trims on the bottom! It's worth a million bucks Kim! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Oh, you always say the sweetest things, lovely Jann...thank you.

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  52. That is adorable!! I will feature it next week at Home Sweet Home! I will post it on Thursday! Such a cutie! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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    1. Thank you so much, Sherry; that is very kind of you. I am very humbled to be part of your fun Home Sweet Home party. Kim Xx

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  53. Dearest Kim, I'm also featuring you at Five Star Frou-Frou this week. You little rock star, you ;-) Love, Mimi xxx

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    1. Oh....I don't know about me being a "little rock star" but I will accept the compliment, Mimi...thank you. You always put a wide smile on my face. Now....me thinks I will go and don on some leathers and channel my inner rock star chick! Kim =)

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  54. Your chair turned out fabulous, Kim! I love the mix of fabrics, doilies and trims. It's a gorgeous chair now and looks very comfy too.

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  55. My dear Kim, your chair covering is swoon worthy! Oh friend, how you amaze me with your creativity. I am in love with your new covering and I find it to be very whimsical and enchanting. You must never want to leave your darling room :)

    Have a glorious week. Hugs to you!

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  56. Its looks just fabulous, gonna do this to mamas chair that sat in her room they tried to make me throw it out but I said no way. It looks a lot like this one. Your so inspiring. Thank you for sharing everything. With love Janice

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