Perfection Starts Here – My New Machine

03 Jul Perfection Starts Here – My New Machine

I am elated to be a new Pfaff Ambassador 🙂

Pfaff-001I cannot think of another word that describes my joy to represent this outstanding company, and truly look forward to showcasing its state of the art machines.
To familiarize me with the Pfaff products, I received the Pfaff Creative 4.5, a Sewing and Embroidery Machine introduced to the market in 2014.

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I am an absolute novice to embroidery. While working on The Tunic Bible, Julie and I discovered the missing link to our efforts was the ability to embroider as seen in the Tory Burch tunics below.Screen Shot 2017-07-02 at 8.03.15 AM
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Now my imagination runneth over with possibilities!

The machine, equipped with the largest embroidery area on the market and sewing techniques exclusive to PFAFF®, is a tech-savvy sewing and embroidery machine whose features include:

  • Exclusive Ribbon stitches: This patent-pending technology enables sewers to add ribbons to their stitches, creating decorative three-dimensional embellishments.
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  • Exclusive Stacking stitches: Another patent-pending feature, this technology consists of pairs of matching stitches that can be sewn on top of each other in two colors, adding beautiful accents and elegant borders to every creation.
  • Basic Shape Creator™: Allows sewers to develop new creations with small embroideries and stitches, or even develop their very own pattern.
  • PFAFF® Stitch Creator™: Sewers can enjoy designing their own unique stitches or edit the 480 built-in stitches.
  • Faster, more efficient embroidery: 30 percent faster embroidery speed* allows sewers to complete projects more quickly without sacrificing quality.
  • Original IDT™ Integrated Dual Feed Technology System: Sensor technology guarantees optimal feed for all fabric thicknesses, eliminating puckering and snagging.

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I have already experienced this incredible feature of the machine. Several pressure feet connect to the IDT system resulting in a perfect stitch. My first garment sewn on the Pfaff was the knit tunic.

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Other features I’ve immediately enjoyed are:

  1. The start/stop button operating button – no foot pedal needed although one is provided!
  2. The automatic pressure foot which lifts when the stitching stops. A knee lift is provided but the auto lift reduces its use.
  3. The large color touch screen and stylus bring the sewing experience to a new level.
  4. The 37 Needle Positions for exact placement for straight stitches and topstitching.

 

Fortunately there is a Pfaff dealer in Spartanburg to guide me through the basics, and I especially thank Ilse from Ray’s Sewing and Vacuum for helping me navigate the machine.

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Many thanks to PFAFF for this extraordinary  opportunity to develop new skills through its stellar products. I can’t wait to share more with you, Dear Readers……… but now I’m curious to know who sews on a PFAFF?

I’d love to hear about your PFAFF experiences and receive any tips you’d like to share!

Until soon 🙂

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goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
61 Comments
  • Marijane Smith
    Posted at 07:24h, 03 July Reply

    Have fun learning your new machine. I have been using Pfaff for more than 20 years. It has seen a lot of sewing in all that time. Love the walking foot and use it almost all the time. Sew clothing, home dec items, purses and lots of misc. stuff. Enjoy new techniques and ideas. Take classes through Craftsy to get the latest thoughts on construction and finishing. Use the decorative stitches for embellishments. Pfaff is a workhorse machine!

  • Kathleen Gradberg
    Posted at 07:24h, 03 July Reply

    I bought my Pfaff 1475 CD back in 1991 and it is still going strong, especially after making countless handbags and doll dresses. Now I’m finally getting back into sewing for myself just recently making my first tunic from the Tunic Bible with another one cut out and ready to sew on my table right now.

    I love the dual feed and find it hard to sew on a machine that doesn’t have this feature. Maybe some day I will buy a newer model but my machine is like an old friend; We have sewn a lot together!

  • Irene Mischkinis
    Posted at 07:51h, 03 July Reply

    I’m sure that you’ll have a lot of fun with your new machine. So many possibilities…

  • SUZANNE LANDAU
    Posted at 08:08h, 03 July Reply

    Ooh you lucky, lucky lady. It’s such an expensive machine. You’re going to have such fun with it. I am feeling rather envious!

  • Karla Crane
    Posted at 08:09h, 03 July Reply

    I have had Pfaff machines for over 40 years. I especially love the built in walking foot and just can’t imagine sewing without it!

  • Dwen Heminway
    Posted at 08:15h, 03 July Reply

    I’ve had Berninas and Janomes, but have loved the Pfaffs from the 1475 on up the line. I now have a Creative Performance (which I use mostly for embroidery) and a Creative Sensation Pro which I use for almost all my sewing. Pfaff answers to every thing for me in sewing & embroidery.
    Love your Tunic Bible. Have made 2 & have plans for lots more.
    Enjoy your column and look forward to it even more now that you’re a Pfaffie!
    Best to you,
    Dwen

  • JACKIE GILDEA
    Posted at 08:17h, 03 July Reply

    I purchased a PFAFF performance 5.0 a year ago and I love love love it!!

  • Cathy Larsen
    Posted at 08:19h, 03 July Reply

    A new machine, how exciting! I invested in a Pfaff Creative 3.0 a year ago and like you, even after forty plus years of sewing experience, I am a relative novice to embroidery. I’m finding this new skill has sparked wonderful, ideas with how to enhance my sewing projects. Brava on your latest creations, they are beautiful!.
    Thank you for sharing.

  • Kerry Rounsley
    Posted at 08:24h, 03 July Reply

    My Pfaff is A Creative Sensation. I love using my machine to embroider and make clothes. It was my present to myself when I retired A few years ago.

    • Irene Wabissa
      Posted at 00:41h, 04 July Reply

      I get so exited when someone says a present to myself 😊😊 pfaff creative 4.5 is the best gift for one self …i got myself one and i am in love with it

  • Nova
    Posted at 08:30h, 03 July Reply

    Looking forward to see how often you utilize the embroidery functions – and when you do, please include details such as stabilizers used, thread type and hoop size. I did not think that embroidery was an interest when I got my performance 5.0, but have since occasionally wondered if I should have purchased a machine such as you have… So what projects are on your plate for the future?

  • Ruth Wagner
    Posted at 08:33h, 03 July Reply

    Have always had a Pfaff, now have 6 in my collection, got talked into a Bernina 15 years ago, big mistake, of course, traded it in for a Pfaff. The IDT produces the best piecing in patchwork.

  • Terri
    Posted at 08:42h, 03 July Reply

    My Pfaff is a 7550, probably 20 plus years old. It has several decorative stitches and the dual feed. That machine is a WORK HORSE and if my house caught fire, it’s the FIRST thing I’d grab. I dread the day it “dies” but it’s not showing any signs of faltering, thank goodness! Secretely? Sometimes I talk to it, brag on it. teeheehee.

    • Cathy Larsen
      Posted at 08:49h, 03 July Reply

      Similar to your experience, when I invested in my new Creative 3.0, a year ago, I decided to keep my little workhorse, the Pfaff 6152 “Jeans and Satin” I ‘d had since than late 1990’s. I have had zero trouble with it and it has provided me with a traveling machine as well as a supplemental resource for when I’m sewing something simultaneously along with an embroidery project.

  • Jennifer McAroy
    Posted at 08:54h, 03 July Reply

    I have that exact machine and love it. My sewing really jumped to the next level after using it.

  • Ellen Sherman
    Posted at 09:01h, 03 July Reply

    I’m on my second Pfaff, and my only wish is that it was a true embroidery machine. Nevertheless, I will continue to praise my Pfaff, and the dealer is so helpful! Congratulations.

  • Rosie
    Posted at 09:34h, 03 July Reply

    Congratulations on your new machine!
    OT but I have to ask: Are you a Converse girl?
    My aunt and two cousins are graduates. I went one year but was too homesick for Florida!
    Thanks for all of your inspiration. I’m just getting ready to cut out my LP knock-off shorts.

  • annie
    Posted at 09:35h, 03 July Reply

    I had a Pfaff which I bought in the late 80s. Got sucked into the Viking thing in the early 2000’s, sold my Pfaff and ended up with 2 Vikings. The Pfaff is still going strong and the person to whom I sold it still loves it. The Viking has ongoing issues and Viking has been useless. I’ve spent a lot of money on repairs. I devoutly wish I had my beloved Pfaff back.

  • Karen Mulkey
    Posted at 09:36h, 03 July Reply

    I’ve sewn on Pfaff machines for 40 years and will have no other brand! Enjoy your new fabulous dream machine..

  • Sandra Thwaites
    Posted at 09:40h, 03 July Reply

    I’ve had a 7570 since 1996, and love it. Like others, I can’t imagine moving to a machine without IDT. Although the embroidery unit on the 7570 is extremely out of date, I’ve yet to see another machine with enough improvements over the 7570 to tempt me. The only feature I wish it had is an automatic thread cutter, but that’s a small quibble on an otherwise great machine.

  • Carolyn
    Posted at 10:46h, 03 July Reply

    Congratulations on becoming a Pfaff Ambassador! Enjoy your new sewing machine. I’m sure you’re going to have so many wonderful creative adventures with it and I look forward to sharing them with you!

  • Mary Rames
    Posted at 10:59h, 03 July Reply

    WOW Sarah! That is such an honor to be chosen as a PFAFF ambassador! I’ve been sewing on PFAFF machines since 1982…PFAFF 1222 SE was my very first one which is still going strong! In 2003 when I needed a second machine to keep up with my small wedding business, I purchased a PFAFF Creative 7510…slightly used…and I still use this machine nearly everyday! When my husband decided to try sewing his own dress shirts and ties, I surprised him with a PFAFF Expression 3.5 in December 2015 for our 40th wedding anniversary. He LOVES it and is happily sewing many shirts, ties, vests etc. And that machine makes the BEST buttonholes…hands down! So as a long time PFAFF owner I can attest to the superior quality and reliability of these machines. And the IDT system makes sewing any fabric a breeze! After briefly using other machines, they pale in comparison to PFAFF! I would LOVE to own that PFAFF Creative 4.5 since I do not own one that could do embroidery. To have the ability to enhance my garments with an embroidered border or motif would be the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy your new machine!
    Happy sewing!
    Mary

  • Joyjc
    Posted at 12:32h, 03 July Reply

    I have a pfaff 7570 special edition embroidery machine, a bernina 200, and a bernina 790. When I purchased the bernina embroidery machines, I kept the Pfaff because although I don’t use it for embroidery anymore, it is an excellent sewing machine. Nothing like a great sewing machine.😀

  • Vanessa
    Posted at 12:40h, 03 July Reply

    How exciting! Congratulations on your new Pfaff!!!! It looks AMAZING! I don’t own a Pfaff, but am drooling over yours! 🙂

  • Alice Elliot
    Posted at 13:39h, 03 July Reply

    Have fun.

  • suzanne
    Posted at 13:54h, 03 July Reply

    I knew you were in SC, but didn’t realize you were in Spartanburg. That’s where my mother’s family is from, going way, way, way back. Don’t visit much there, as my grandmother and step-grandfather have both passed, and the family farm was sold. Lovely new machine!

  • Star Gunning
    Posted at 14:01h, 03 July Reply

    I have sewn on a Pfaff for years and I currently have a Pfaff 5.0 Performance machine. Prior to that I had the 7550 and use that as my travel or backup machine at the moment. I am a huge fan of Pfaff machines and you can’t beat the built in IDT system. The button for the presser foot took me a while to get used to as did the automatic tie off but now it is second nature. I hope you come to love your Pfaff as much as I do.

  • Cheri schwartz
    Posted at 14:12h, 03 July Reply

    I sew on an old 1473 because of the dual feed!

  • Margaret Winters
    Posted at 14:35h, 03 July Reply

    Congratulations on becoming an ambassador for Pfaff! Like so many others, I have a Pfaff 1171 sewing machine which my husband and I were given in 1986 for our wedding. What a great machine! I also have a hobby lock serger from 1990 and also my mom’s hobby lock. Never any problems with pfaff, they are so well built!

  • Sue Kristiansen
    Posted at 15:26h, 03 July Reply

    I sew on a Viking, but plan to get a Pfaff when it dies. Thank you for sharing this adventure, I plan to learn a lot through you!

    Also, I forgot to thank you for sharing the baby bucket hats! I’ve made two and just love them! Thank you

  • Carla Maguire
    Posted at 18:58h, 03 July Reply

    Love love love my Pfaffs. Have my mother in laws 1212 and have a 2140. They are hands down the best machines. I have used a bunch of other high end machines and always think my Pfaff is more ….well elegant is the word that comes to mind! You are lucky to get your hands on such an amazing machine!

  • Meg Allen
    Posted at 20:16h, 03 July Reply

    I learned on my mom’s Pfaff in the 1960s. I purchased a 1222E in 1981, which is on loan to my son and daughter-in-law, while I am using a Performance 5. Can’t beat the IDF function. Welcome to Pfaff!

  • Marta T`
    Posted at 21:05h, 03 July Reply

    Congrats on your new baby! That is one wonderful machine. I have two PFAFFs. The Performance 5.0 and the Passport (for travel). The IDT is unparalleled and I love the stitch consistency. Yay for you!

  • Jean Kerr
    Posted at 21:15h, 03 July Reply

    I purchased my 7570 in 1994 and like Terri said if I had a fire it would be one of the things I grabbed. The built in walking foot was ahead of its time and works far better than those I have seen on other machines. It sews on silks and sheers as easily as the cottons, linens, and wools. Love love love my Pfaff. I may buy another machine but I will always have this one.

  • Lynsey
    Posted at 21:46h, 03 July Reply

    Welcome to our new Ambassador.. Like others posting, I have several Pfaff’s, 7570, 2170, Creative Vision and now I’m anxiously awaiting more info on the Icon. The 7570 and PC Designer software ignighteda love of digitizing. I can’t wait until you begin exploring the great features in the software.

  • Michele Owens
    Posted at 22:39h, 03 July Reply

    I have been sewing on a Pfaff since 2002. Started with Embroidery. Love my Pfaff and the folks at Rays vacuum and sewing.

  • Lauren Loughlin
    Posted at 23:36h, 03 July Reply

    I bought a Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.2 in June. I couldn’t wait to get it home & begin working on a quilt for my son. It sews like a dream and came with a great user manual. I hope you have as much fun as I am having with sewing machine.

  • Evelyn Robbins
    Posted at 00:36h, 04 July Reply

    I love sewing but I can’t afford one.

  • Helga Hamlin
    Posted at 00:46h, 04 July Reply

    My husband purchased my Pfaff 1222 SE for me around 1980. It also has the dual feed and I love my machine. I was taught sewing in Germany and my teacher always said if she ever got a new machine it would be the Pfaff with the dual feed. So taking that advice that was what I wished for. This machine is wonderful and even after all these years still going strong. Enjoy your new Pfaff I know you will love it. So many possibilities, have fun.

  • Nancy Morris
    Posted at 01:01h, 04 July Reply

    I’ve had my Pfaff 7550 for at least 25 years. The quality of the stitch it produces has always been excellent. Ive looked into getting a newer machine but I keep coming back to my baby!

  • Barbara
    Posted at 04:52h, 04 July Reply

    I have been a ‘Dyed in the Wool’ Bernina fan for 30 years owning an 1130 and running a business using it.
    I recently acquired a PFAFF Creative 2.0 and have to say I been swayed. After using it I think to myself – That was fun! I really enjoyed that.

    I am still getting used to the machine and where the features are locatedbut love the Embroidery on it. I did some fab towels and Ornaments at Christmas which as a first attempt came out Beautiful!!

    My only frustration is that the 2.0 does not come with the knee lifter for the presser foot (Something I believe the later models do come with) It is the one feature that I have been so used to on the Bernina for so many years….

    Congratulations on your New Machine, I am sure you will Create many wonderful items on it. I look forward to seeing and reading about them! Also Congratulations on your Book and wonderful Website.

    Warm Regards & Happy Sewing to you all.

  • Ann Hiler
    Posted at 09:09h, 04 July Reply

    Sew happy to hear you are a Pfaff ambassador, congratulations. I have been sewing on a Pfaff since the late 70’s.
    Can’t beat their IDT.

  • Marion
    Posted at 10:11h, 04 July Reply

    Great! Congratulations on your new machine.
    Starting now you can be working on a whole new level. Fantastic. I can hardly wait to see and adore your new masterpieces.
    All the best Marion

  • Mary Bryson
    Posted at 10:40h, 04 July Reply

    I always had Bernina sewing machines but bought one of the first overlockers Pfaff made for the domestic market, a Hobbylock 794. Sadly my eyesight is not what it was and I simply can’t thread it any more so bought a Juki with air threading. It’s a good machine but I really miss the solidity and good design of the Pfaff. It used to sound so happy chomping through the fabric.f

  • Patricia Pfeiffer
    Posted at 12:50h, 04 July Reply

    Congratulations on your new machine! I have sewn on Pfaffs for many, many years. I currently own the Performance 5.0, and my daughter just bought the Performance 5.2, same machine with a couple new stitches, I think. I have always loved that IDT. My seams come out even. Yay! Love the precision of German engineering, too.
    I have only recently started to use that on and off button. For sewing garments, there is little need for it, as it is stop and go and control of fabric type of sewing. I so far only used it when winding bobbins, but recently sewed a basic hem in pieces of a fuzzy bathrobe I had to sacrifice to a new puppy, and the on/off button made quick work of zig zag hemming it. I would guess with the embroidery machine you will have more occasion to use it. It would also be handy for free motion quilting, and when I bought the machine, that was what I planned to use it for, quilting. I have since realized that I am not a quilter, and I am back to my first love of sewing clothing. I passed on getting the embroidery machine because of the cost, but sometimes now I do wish I had it, but the Performance models have a great selection of wider decorative stitches that can be used alone or in combination for decorative effects.
    I know you will enjoy your Pfaff. Just don’t decorate everything you make to the degree that the rest of us will be left in the dust because we can’t embroider our tunics as beautifully as you will be able to now. We, after all, delight in the lovely clothing you construct.
    Pat

  • Leanne
    Posted at 19:55h, 04 July Reply

    When my Singer Golden Touch and Sew died after 35+ years, I chose a Pfaff specifically for the built in dual feed feature. The quality of my garment sewing went way up!

  • laura barnes
    Posted at 21:58h, 04 July Reply

    My .Mother taught me to sew when I was 9 years old. It was on a 305 Pfaff, which I still own. Growing up I diverted my attention to Singer for a short while. Currently I own 6 Pfaff and three are or were top-of-the-line. Sorry to tell you, once you sew on a Pfaff your a Pfaffie for life. Enjoy!

  • Nancy Jo Hendricks
    Posted at 23:16h, 04 July Reply

    I bought a 1475 CD from Ilse when she was in Greenville, SC where I was living in the early ’90’s when I caught the quilting bug. Pfaff was the only machine that had the built-in dual feed at that time so whether doing patchwork or sewing clothes with plaid fabrics the seams always matched. I was so thrilled with my Pfaff, I bought my mother an identical one as there was a dealer not far away from Charleston (Summerville) where she lived. (Someone told me to shorten the stitch length to 2.0 to get a Bernina-like stitch. Never had one.) As to Ilse she is wonderful.. Other sales ladies at dealers would show me a machine, briefly talk about it, but never sat down to actually sew on it , or suggest I do so. Except for Ilse. She was everything you would hope for- she listened and immediately began a demo while talking about the features, then it was my turn.. So nice to see her pictured. Still am star/Starr struck after a chance meeting of Sarah and Julie in Five Eighths Seams last year. What classy ladies! Congratulations, Sarah, you will be an outstanding ambassador for Pfaff.

  • lin Burley
    Posted at 11:32h, 05 July Reply

    That’s a great position- I am a Baby Lock Fan- and Brother= I personally have both a stand alone and a 10 thread embroidery machine – I love them- For me I found Pfaff less user friendly-
    they all have their good and unusual factors

  • Barb Yonjof
    Posted at 07:29h, 06 July Reply

    Congratulations Sarah! Pffaf is a wonderful machine. I go back to the 1222E (70’s) – then a 1475 (1985) which I still use and is still the best workhorse ever. Then a few years ago I purchased a 2170 because of the embroidery feature (which is addictive by the way)! Love the machines and would never think of purchasing anything else. Enjoy your adventures with your new Pfaff!

  • Carol Tuntland
    Posted at 12:09h, 06 July Reply

    I think you will love your new Pfaff. I’m currently sewing and embroidering on a Creative Sensation and love it. I chose Pfaff when the computer interface was Mac! I love the IDT foot for so much of my sewing. Enjoy your new machine. Love Goodbye Valentino and all your inspirational ideas.

  • Linda LaMona
    Posted at 07:00h, 07 July Reply

    Congratulations on becoming a Pfaff Ambassador! You will love that embroidery feature.

  • Wendy M
    Posted at 09:59h, 07 July Reply

    Congratulations to you! My back up machine is my pfaff 1473 from the early 1990’s. What a great machine to sew on. Still works great. I remember the day I bought it, I was deciding between a Bernina and the pfaff. I was sold by the integrated IDT. What a great machine. I did eventually buy a bernina, still love my pfaff, although it never did great buttonholes, but was great in every other way. Continue to inspire us. Love all your creations. I would love to ask you some questions on your st james knit dress you made. Is that fabric too thick to also add a wide (about six inches tapering to nothing) sewn in the hip seam) tie that would then hang loosely in the front. Also copied from ready to wear. Thank you so much for ALL your inspiration.

    • Cathy Larsen
      Posted at 12:34h, 07 July Reply

      As much as I loved my Pfaff 6152 “Jeans and Satin” machine, like you report, the buttonholes never
      came out particularly well. Now that I purchased my Pfaff Creative 3.0, I actually look
      forward to making the buttonholes, because every one turns out just beautifully.
      I can also do keyhole buttonholes now.
      One of the features on my 3.0 is an auto-tension sensor so even if you’re making buttonholes on a collar stand or Jeans waistband, they still come out well.

  • Jeanne Longo
    Posted at 08:27h, 17 July Reply

    Hi Sarah,
    I am in the market for a new machine, and plan to spend the next year exploring and comparing. I have to say, Pfaff was not on my list, but now I will definitely check it out. I have always sewed on Vikings. Looking forward to test-driving the Pfaff! I’ve always heard good things!

  • Carol Culvyhouse
    Posted at 06:49h, 05 August Reply

    Congratulations on your new sewing/ embroidery machine ! It really opens endless possibilities to be creative with patterns and fabrics.

  • Wanda Murray
    Posted at 17:11h, 08 October Reply

    Sarah, I am a third generation Pfaff gal. My grandmother had one for as long as I can remember, my mother had a 1222E. I bought my first sewing machine at 18 years old….a Pfaff 1222E.. In 1983 I upgraded to 1471 which is still my go to machine. I’ve since purchased a used 1473 and another used 7530. I have tried other brands a few times but always preferred my Pfaff’s….I can’t be without the IDT. Enjoy your new machine. Wanda

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 17:12h, 08 October Reply

      Thank you, Wanda! I had not sewn on Pfaff until now and I’m hooked. I too LOVE the IDT!!

  • Chris Boyd
    Posted at 13:14h, 23 February Reply

    How wonderful for you! Husband bought me the 1475 CD our first year married at Christmas 1987! I TREASURE this machine and it has seen hard use. Sent it to Brubakers in Pennsylvania once when 2 local dealers told me circuit board was dead. They replaced the plug and it’s been perfect. They have all the parts to repair these vintage machines too…even circuit boards…never toss one out!

  • Linda Bryan
    Posted at 16:23h, 13 December Reply

    Now some time later, am curious as to whether you continue to use the Creative 4.5 or whether you have abandoned it for the bigger model(s). I have looked at your tunics recently and am impressed with your vision as to how to gussy up a relatively plain dress pattern for max impact. Seeing the cross-stitch plus striped fabric gives me some new ideas. This effect would also be useful for pj’s, aprons, kitchen curtains.

  • Linda Bryan
    Posted at 16:42h, 13 December Reply

    Also wanted to ask about the Creative 4.5…those impressive repeated embroideries on the tunics…How did you plan the repeats? Were there more than one of the same repeated motif on the hoop at one time or was each a separate hooping?

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