TCJ Inspiration Place
Grocery Girls Makers Spotlight ~ Click here to comment April 15, 2021 12:36 9 Comments
Knit City Virtual kicks off today ~ click here to comment April 9, 2021 11:03
Hello Makers, Knit City Virtual kicks off today with a fun knit night hosted by Espace Tricote! If you haven't purchased your ticket, there's still time. Click here to register!
Giveaways from:
For the line up, and to check out past shows, click here.
Hop[e to see you tomorrow! xo
Vogue Knitting Live: Zoom Marketplace ~ click here to comment March 14, 2021 12:50
Hello Everyone, I have a bunch of online Zoom shows coming up!
The first being, Vogue Knitting Live. This is a paid event. You need to register, here. It costs $3.99US for the entire weekend which gives you access to ALL the amazing vendors!
Join Carmen and I for an up-beat hour of fun! We have new and exciting things to show you and we hope to inspire you and make you smile! And, we have a ton of amazing giveaways!! This show is NOT to be missed!
WHEN: Saturday March 20th & Sunday March 21st.
TIME: Noon - 1 (PST) or 3 - 4pm (PDT).
COST: $3.99US for all vendors: YOU MUST REGISTER
GIVEAWAYS FROM:
For the full list of all the vendors and times, click here. Please keep in mind the time zone and make sure you either choose your time zone or convert the EDT standard time zone listed.
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The second show we will be vending at is KNIT CITY VIRTUAL
WHEN: April 09 - 11 (specific vendor date TBA)
TIME: TBA
COST: Free!
GIVEAWAYS FROM: TBA
More info about this show will be announced over the next few weeks. To keep up with announcements, sign up for the Knit Social newsletter and visit their website, here.
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The third show I am scheduled to vend is FIBRE LOVE AFFAIR
WHEN: April 24 - 25 & May 01 - 02 (specific vendor date TBA)
TIME: TBA
COST: Free!
GIVEAWAYS FROM: TBA
More info about this show will be announced over the next few weeks. To keep up with announcements, sign up for the Fibre Love Affair newsletter and visit their website, here.
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To see our past shows, quick links to what I showed + the giveaways, please check it out here!
Happy knitting everyone, I hope to see you on ZOOM SOON!
Knit City Virtual ~ Click here to comment February 6, 2021 09:03
Hello Makers! Knit City Virtual is happening right now, all weekend long!
Join me tomorrow, Sunday February 07 from 3 - 4pm PST for my online ZOOM presentation! It will be a super fun hour full of new designs & knit kits to show and tons of giveaways!! This is a FREE event!
WHEN: Sunday, February 07 from 3 - 4pm PST
WHERE (zoom link):https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
GIVEAWAYS FROM
- Grocery Girls
- Mrs. Browns Bags
- GG Made It
- Yarnboler
- Katia Yarns
- Knox Mountain Knits
- Fire Fly Notes
- Suburban Stitcher
- Talking Clay
For more information and a line up to all the amazing vendors this weekend, go to knitsocial.ca
For the the full schedule, click HERE.
Fibre Love Affair 2021 ~ click here to comment January 26, 2021 17:38
Thank you everyone who watched the Fibre Love Affair show on January 16th! For those of you who missed it, here is the video! Also, here is the link to all the fun things I talked about. The next show is at Virtual Knit City and my hour is February 07, 2021from 3pm - 4pm PST. I hope to see you there!!
Fibre Love Affair ~ click here to comment January 15, 2021 11:11
Fibre Love Affair is BACK! Join me Saturday, January 16th at 5:15pm PST for an hour of show-and-tell, coupon codes, and so many GIVEAWAYS! Giveaways from Estelle Yarns, SweetGeorgia, Knox Mountain Knits, YarnBoler, Talking Clay, TCJ! It is an event not to be missed! I hope to see you there!
For previous shows, check out the Fibre Love Affair YouTube Channel.
For more info check out the Fibre Love Affair website. There are so many great vendors!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 856 5861 1206
Passcode: hope
Grocery Girls Favorite Things ~ Click Here to Comment December 3, 2020 17:39 12 Comments
Boho Beats Shawl Pattern ~ click here to comment September 23, 2020 14:53
DESCRIPTION: Boho Beats Shawl is a traditional triangle shaped shawl with the perfect balance between new techniques and rhythmical stitches, creating interesting textures and movement with tassel and fringe details. I think you will love wearing it as much as you love making it!
YARN: Mad Tosh Farm Twist
(225 yards/202 meters heavy DK/light worsted) x 3 skeins.
Sample shown in color Mars Rover
NEEDLES: 5 mm (8 US) 24 - 32" Circular Needles.
LYKKE Needles are in stock.
For those who prefer to shop here, you can also purchase the pattern from the website:
Simply Soft Hat: best knit kit of the season ~ Click here to comment September 21, 2020 16:13
Fibre Love Affair - Virtual Marketplace September 18, 2020 09:13
Hello Everyone,
It's been awhile since my last post. If you already follow me on IG or FB you know it's been a crazy couple of week, a lot is going on: new kits, new designs and new events! Before I dive into all the new designs and kits recently out (more blog posts to come), I want to let you know about an exciting virtual marketplace happening the first week in October!
Yoriko from Fibre Art Studio, a dear friend of mine, has taken on this amazing project, bringing the community together and creating Fibre Love Affair. It's an online marketplace with 23 vendors over two days. Check out the FB page for more info and follow on IG for up-to-date info.
TIME: 3:00 - 4:00PM, PST.
ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83755273492
Baby Gradient Blanket Hack ~ Click here to comment July 15, 2020 15:35
Hello Everyone,
The first pre-orders for the Baby Gradient Blanket knit kits came in this week and they are adorable! They come with 4 pre-wound skeins of DK weight 50% Cotton/50% Viscose yarn in a little package with the pattern. It's a great project for a newborn baby, and the perfect kit to have in your stash when you need a baby shower gift. The original pattern is super cute, fine knit on a 3 mm (US 3) creating a really special blanket; but, I wanted to design a Hack that followed the same look as the original but a faster knit. Currently I am just over 1/2 way my Hack, and I wanted to start sharing this pattern with you, even though it's not quite done.
These knit kits are pre-orders. Order before August 09th, 2020 and kits will be shipped by August 18th, 2020 SHOP
BABY GRADIENT BLANKET HACK
By Amanda Kaffka
DESCRIPTION
Each Urth Baby Gradient Blanket kit comes with a beautifully designed blanket. This is a free hack to the pattern, if you’re looing for a quicker knit and something less fine. Both patterns will turnout about the same size; the only difference is, this hack is worked on bigger needles with the yarn held double and knit with less stitches than the original pattern.
Also, did you know, for every Urth Baby Gradient Blanket kit, a tree is planted!?
YARN
Urth Baby Gradient Blanket Kit (4 pre-wound skeins of DK weight yarn in a gradient) x 1 set.
- Color A: White.
- Color B: Light Marled.
- Color C: Medium Marled.
- Color D: Solid Color.
NEEDLES
5.5 mm (US 9) 24”/60cm Circular Needles.
NOTIONS
Tapestry Needle to weave in ends.
Mini scale for weighing yarn as you go for Color Blend instructions.
NOTES
- Sample shown in color #513 Mulberry.
- Blanket is worked flat, back-and-forth.
- Yarn is held double throughout.
- Follow instructions for Color Blend or Color Block.
- Blanket has a Garter St border with Stockinette St in the middle.
ABBREVIATIONS
BO: bind off.
CO: cast on.
Garter St: knit on RS & WS.
K: knit.
P: purl.
RS: right side.
St(s): stitch(es).
St-st (Stockinette St): Knit on RS, Purl on WS.
WS: wrong side.
GAUGE
St-st – unblocked
15.5 sts x 22 rows = 4”/10 cm.
St-st – blocked
TBA
BLOCKED MEASUREMENTS
24”/61 cm x 31”/78.75 cm.
INSTRUCTIONS
Using Color A with yarn held double, 5.5 mm (US 9) 24”/60 cm Circular Needles, and using Long Tail Cast On, CO 108 sts.
GARTER BORDER
Knit 5 rows, ending on a WS complete.
Now, follow Color Block or Color Blend instructions.
COLOR BLOCK
Continuing with Color A held double:
Row 1 (RS): K to end.
Row 2 (WS): K5, p to last 5 sts, k5.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until Color A runs out ending on a WS complete.
Break color A and join Color B.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until Color B runs out ending on a WS complete.
Break color B and join Color C.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until Color C runs out ending on a WS complete.
Break color C and join Color D.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until Color D is about 6”/15.25 cm from end of Color C ending on a RS complete.
GARTER BORDER
Continue with color D.
Knit 5 rows.
BO k-wise.
COLOR BLEND
Continuing with Color A held double:
Row 1 (RS): K to end.
Row 2 (WS): K5, p to last 5 sts, k5.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until Color A has 25g left on the ball, ending on a WS complete.
Break 1 strand of Color A and join 1 strand of Color B.
You are now working with 2 strands, 1 of Color A & 1 of Color B.
Continue repeating rows 1 & 2, until Color A runs out, ending on a WS complete.
Join the other strand of Color B.
You are now working with 2 strands of Color B.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until 25g of B is left on the ball, ending with a WS complete.
Break 1 strand of Color B and join 1 strand of Color C.
You are now working with 2 strands, 1 of Color B & 1 of Color C.
Continue repeating rows 1 & 2, until Color B runs out, ending on a WS complete.
Join the other strand of Color C.
You are now working with 2 strands of Color C.
Repeat rows 1 & 2 until 25g of C is left on the ball, ending with a WS complete.
Break 1 strand of Color C and join 1 strand of Color D.
You are now working with 2 strands, 1 of Color C & 1 of Color D.
Continue repeating rows 1 & 2, until Color C runs out, ending on a WS complete.
Join the other strand of Color D.
You are now working with 2 strands of Color D.
Repeat rows 1 & 2, until Color D is about 4”/10 cm from end of Color D/C ending on a RS complete.
GARTER BORDER
Continue with color D.
Knit 5 rows.
BO k-wise.
FINISHING
Weave in all ends.
Block to measurements.
Wrap a little baby in your blanket & enjoy!
Stand in the Gap Hat ~ click here to comment June 11, 2020 12:39
Hello Everyone,
This week I released a new FOREVER FREE pattern that is very close to my heart. The Stand in the Gap Hat. In response to Gaye Glassipe's poignant speech about Standing in the Gap inspired me to examine my own behaviors and to make the conscientious decision to Stand in the Gap, always. It is something that might put me in uncomfortable positions, but to me, it is worth it. Last blog I wrote about my promise to always Stand in the Gap and what it means. Naturally, when I believe in something that needs to be elevated and heard, I design something that represents the movement; and like Enough Hat & Climate Strike Hat I designed the Stand in the Gap Hat. This hat represents action, not intension.
I know, for some, knitting right now is a challenge. I also know that maybe you want to make something that holds meaning, show solidarity and maybe there is someone in your life that needs this message as a reminder. I hope you are inspired to make one or a few of these hats for yourself, friends, or family members. You can download Stand in the Gap on Ravelry, here.
The pattern calls for Worsted weight, but I just knit a version in DK (shown above) and it worked out great. I did go up a size (L, for my head size), and it fits like a dream. Please tag me on IG or FB @amandakaffka or @craftyjackalope #ShareYourTCJ or #StandintheGapHat and I will share your progress and/or FO's
STAND IN THE GAP, ALWAYS.
Stand in the Gap ~ click here to comment June 8, 2020 14:37
Just checking in ~ click here to comment April 3, 2020 12:11
We're in this together ~ click here to comment March 19, 2020 15:28 2 Comments
ChiaoGoo Interchangeables ~ click here to comment February 5, 2020 08:53
ChiaoGoo knitting needles, have you heard about them? Have you tried them? Yes and yes! A year or two ago I heard about ChiaoGoo's as the go-to needles for sock knitting, known for their super flexible cable and wicked point. Not being a sock knitter and being a dedicated LYKKE user, it took me some time to actually try out these new needles everyone seemed to be talking about. And, let me say, when I tried them, I loved them!
I am a huge fan of Interchangeable knitting needle sets. To have my needles all compact in one kit is everything; I know where they are, they have a place and because I take my knitting everywhere, having my needles organized, tidy and all in one place is a no brainer. Although I love the look of the LYKKE case, ChiaGoo's case is a bit smaller and I like the soft exterior. But case aside, I love these needles!!! The needle points are spectacular, the nylon cables are fabulous and flexible, and my favorite go-set right now is the Complete Bamboo 4" set. Unlike the short LYKKE tips, I feel like the ChiaoGoo 4" are long enough to use for all projects, not just for hats or cowls. I use them for literally, everything: top-down sweaters, flat projects, sleeves, and hats. etc...
OK, let me step back a bit, as a consumer, it might be frustrating to get on board with a new interchangeable set; you just fell in love with LYKKE, Knit Picks, Dreamz or Addi and not only did you invest in one of those, now you have another choice? I get it. Please know, I would never make false claims about a product and I would never sell a product that I have not tired, let alone not like. Over the last year, I have used both the ChiaoGoo metal AND bamboo 4" AND 5" sets. I am confident to say, I recommend all of them. If you always knit with metal, you will love the Twist Red Lace set; if you typically work on wood, you will love the Bamboo set. Also, it is interesting to note, in general, I do not love bamboo needles. I typically find them almost hollow-feeling and they make this weird crunchy noise with each stitch; the ChiaoGoo Bamboo's don't do any of those weird bamboo-things!
The sets I have not tried are the Mini & Small Shorties. These come with 2" & 3" tips either ranging from 2 - 3.25mm (Mini) or 3.5 - 5mm (Small). Depending on the cable size you can make 9" - 12" lengths which are fabulous for sleeves, socks and small hats. Also, if you get the 2" cables, you can make your tips into flexible DPNs, which I am super intrigued about. This is on my list to try!
In conclusion, I highly recommend the ChiaoGoo needle sets. They are a bit more expensive than the LYKKE, but the quality is there. I know it is not always feasible to have multiple sets but if you're like me, with a ton of projects on the go, having multiple interchangeable sets is a must; trust me, I use all my sets. And something I didn't talk about, the feel of the sets. I love the warmth and sturdiness of my LYKKE needles and the point is great for yarns that split easily or big sweater projects. The ChiaoGoo's point is fabulous for lace or making bobbles or when I want to be precise. So, keep that in mind, different needles are good for different projects and it's nice to have a variety to match your mood.
If you order extra cables, please take extra care and note the size of your needles and the cables that work with those needles. There are three cable sizes, MINI, SMALL and LARGE which fit either size up to 5mm (SMALL) or 5.5mm and up (LARGE).
And, of course, contact me anytime if you have questions. xo
modifying patterns ~ click here to comment January 18, 2020 14:15
WEEKEND INSPO
I can't help myself, modifying knitting patterns seems to be something I do all the time whether I am knitting my own pattern or someone else's. It's something I like to do to give the project a signature, to make it my own. There's a wide range of what a modification is, it can be simply substituting the yarn or changing a stitch or ribbing, modifying the increases/decreases/BOs/COs, changing fit or adding stripes, to name a few. Here are two recent modifications I did: the first, substituting yarn and striping the Magpie Darling Hat; and the second, adding bling to the Canadian Slouchy.
This is the new Magpie Darling Hat that I recently modified to accommodate WoolAddicts LOVE yarn for a client; it turned out so lovely I decided to offer as knit kits. This light-weight version was inspired by a new customer who called me up excited about ordering some MDHs but the original cashmere versions were not in their price range. They asked me if I had any other yarn choices I could kit up (they wanted to make a lot for gifts). I knew I had some WoolAddicts yarn and the LOVE came to mind. Because the WoolAddics LOVE yarn was a different weight (fingering) than the original Bergere Cachmire yarn (sport), I knew I had to re-write the pattern to accommodate this modification; although the needle size didn't change, my gauge and sizing and overall feel of the hat were not the same. I quickly knit up a sample, revamped the pattern and got the new kits up in the shop! Needless to say, they have been a hit. I just love how the sparkle pops on the merino blend yarn and the light-weight of the fingering yarn makes this hat a year-around accessory.
A few weeks later, I decided to make another light-weight MDH sample. Some people always have socks on the go, I always have MDH on the go! This time, I wanted to change things up, so I decided to stripe this version, and I love how it turned out.
Striping is a simple way to make something different and unique. Because the stripes are formed by the sequins, it's dainty, subtle and still keeps the integrity of the sparkle. I hope this inspires you to stripe your MDH too, here are the instructions:
- Hold yarns A & B together for the CO and the broken rib brim.
- After the brim is complete, alternate holding yarn A single and yarns A & B together, switch every 2 rounds.
- Repeat these 4 rounds until the hat is complete, and voila!
The second modification I recently did was add a little bling to a classic, the Canadian Slouchy. When I originally cast on this blinged-out version I held the MC & Sequins together, but after knitting the sparkly brim I decided I wanted just maples leaves to shine; so, I ripped it back and started over, following the instructions as they are. When I got to the maple leaf motifs, I added my bling! In retrospect, I think sequins in all the red would have been pretty fabulous too.
SHOP THE CANADIAN SLOUCHY KNIT KIT
Here are the instructions for the modifications:
- Hold one strand each of MC & sequins when you follow the maple leaf motifs (or for all the MC parts).
- For this sample, for the maple leaves, I used mainly the intarsia colorwork technique. I regret this, by the end of my final 2 maple leaves I had so many small balls of yarn going it was a crazy tangled mess, and then add sequins to the mix...I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.
- My advice: use stranded colorwork for all the CC (white), meaning, you will use one ball of CC throughout that runs through the red. Use the intarsia method for the MC (red) only, meaning you will have multiple balls of MC going at once and it will not run through the CC.
- When you are ready to add another ball of yarn, midway through a motif, break the MC & Sequin yar combo about 150"/381 cm - 200"/508 cm in length, this will be enough to finish the motif.
Let me know if you like to modify patterns and how you like to do it. And, I love seeing your TCJ modifications, be sure to tag me on FB or IG: @amandakaffka @craftyjackalope #ShareyourTCJ
new pattern // chaser pullover ~ click here to comment January 13, 2020 11:43
Happy #TCJMonday Everyone!
It is so snowy here in Vancouver, we woke up to a blanket of white and freezing weather; perfect timing for the release of Chaser Pullover! This is a new pattern I designed at the end of last year and it just was released through BluPrint featuring their Cloudborn Sprightly yarn.
GET THE BLUPRINT KNIT KIT HERE
Chaser Pullover is an oversized cozy sweater with some fun details, such as a seed stitch yoke, mock neck and elbow patches. There are a few short rows, some three-needle bind-offs and basically, it's a seamless construction; knit in the round and flat. It's a fun chunky knit with quick results.
The PDF pattern is also available in the shop, here.
And, on Ravelry, here.
i4earth, an initiative to give back ~ click here to comment January 10, 2020 11:55
Today I launched i4earth, an initiative to give back. We need to do more than send thoughts and prayers to those who face devastating challenges; this year I will be focusing my efforts on environmental issues. Although the charities I donate to will change from time-to-time, depending on the climate of the earth and the events that happen, currently, all donations will focus on the Australian bushfire crisis. Contingent on how much is raised, the donations will go to one or all of these charities: wires.org.au redcross.org.au rfs.nsw.gov.au
For every product sold in the i4earth collection, a proportion of each sale will be donated to the featured charity listed above. The more swag you purchase, the more money is donated. There are 42 listings from t-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, tanks to tea towels; something for everyone! Each item is decorated with a hand-illustrated image I created: TCJ logo, Yarn Source or Australian Flora. All pieces are printed in Australia by an Australian company. It was important to me, not only raise funds for Australia but, to support an Australian company.
To shop the collection and to read more about these efforts, click here.
Have more questions? Visit the i4earth FAQ page for more info
I hope you love the designs and the products offered, together we can make a small difference. And, if you don't want the swag but still want to help, I encourage you to donate directly to the links above. All three charitable companies are very reputable.
Thank you, everyone, in advance to helps make a difference. xo
New Knit Kits // Magpie Darling Hats ~ click here to comment January 3, 2020 15:38
It's 2020 and my first Cast On and Cast Off happened to be one of my favorite projects, a super sparkly Magpie Darling Hat!
Way back in April 2017 I designed this blinged-out hat that I thought no one would love as much as I do, I was wrong! This hat has become one of my most beloved knit kits of all time and rightfully so! It thrills me to bits that makers around the world were dazzled by this shiny sparkly hat and chose to make one for themselves, friends and loved ones!
Much inline with 2020 bringing change and evolution, it seems fitting that the MDH got a revamp. Although I still offer the original MDH knit kits and pattern, this version has a few changes to give you more choice. Let's be honest, the original MDH was a luxury project, this new one, although not cashmere, is a beautiful merino that's more economical, a great choice if you don't feel like spending a lot or you want to make a ton. Other changes you will notice, the yarn is a lighter weight than the original making a soft fine fabric and this version offers 4 sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL).
The color range offered is quite extensive, giving you lots of choices. Check them out and explore the possibilities! What's your favorite color? The sample is color MOSS & Black/Rainbow Sequins in size S.
Happy New Year ~ click here to comment January 2, 2020 10:26
Happy New Year Makers!
LOOKING BACK // I am grateful to have found my passion and be able to share it with the world. I am grateful for all of you who follow me, support me, make my designs and get as excited as I do over knit kits and all knitting treasures! Thank you. I always love love love seeing your TCJ projects, be sure to tag me #ShareYourTCJ on IG here or here.
SALE: black friday to cyber monday ~ click here to comment November 29, 2019 09:20
SALE SALE SALE: Coupon codes for Black Friday - Cyber Monday!WoolAddicts ~ click here to comment October 21, 2019 13:28
Happy #TCJMonday Everyone!
Wow, it has been a long minute since my last post, just over 4 months. As you can imagine, a lot has happened over the last months, including the biggest event of the year, Knit City! I hope you are following me on Instagram, Facebook and/or subscribe to the newsletter, these are the places I post the most and where you can truly keep updated.
Knit City 2019 has come and gone. Mum and I worked so hard to create a fabulous shopping experience with new and exciting treasures in our booth. And it paid off, our booth was so busy, both Marketplace days and we are thankful for all those who stopped by, shopped and said "hi". We met so many wonderful makers so full of positive energy, it was a great and inspiring experience.
For those of you who could not make it to Knit City, I am in the process of getting all the things up online. This year was especially exciting, I brought in a new line of yarns and patterns, WoolAddicts by Lang. This is a top-notch European company that puts out amazingly stylish and wearable patterns and an exciting range of beautiful yarns in different yarn weights, fibers, and textures. Over the summer I had the pleasure of knitting a few of their patterns and trying out their yarns. It didn't take long to fall in love with these pieces and I enjoyed making them!
The yarn is spectacular and inspired a couple of new designs of my own, the Magpie Darling Scarf, a generously sized sparkle striped scarf with tassels. This pattern is currently offered as a knit kit and comes with the pattern, 4 balls of WoolAddicts WATER yarn and 1 ball of sequin. There are 5 colorways to choose from.
Check out Dianne from Suburban Stitcher talk about the Magpie Darling Scarf and show her's in progress! It's looking amazing xo
Solder Cowl is the other design that was inspired by the yarn. Knit using a combo of WoolAddicts EARTH and sequins this is a fun and interesting knit. Worked on the bias, and then in the round, the colors are essentially "soldered" together and fused into a fabulous accessory.
I highly recommend the WoolAddicts line of patterns and yarns. Let me know what you think of the designs and if there are other designs in the WoolAddicts line that you would like to see offered as a knit kit!
Happy Knitting,
Amanda xo
Magpie Darling Hat SALE ~ click here to comment June 10, 2019 00:00
Happy #TCJMonday
If you ever shopped for a Magpie Darling Hat, you will remember, the list was long! There were SO many choices...too many choices? Although I love all the Magpie options and have made multiples of each, I felt like it was time to clean house. The solution, put some Magpies on sale!!!
All SALE Magpies are now listed on a specific Magpie Darling Hat Sale page. Currently, it includes all the Amore, Paillettes, Mohair Tweed, Sherpa, and 100% Cashmere Lana Gatto hats. These gems are all discounted, once they are gone, they are gone. If you love it, get it!
Like this Sherpa, Dk Grey with Black/Rainbow Sequin, there's only one left!
Happy shop-bling & knit-bling
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