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		<title>PRK Designs</title>
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			<link>http://www.prkdesigns.com</link>
			<description>PRK Designs RSS Feed</description>
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			<title>Wearing my own</title>
			<link>http://www.prkdesigns.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=29&amp;Itemid=51</link>
			<description><![CDATA[For years so many of my friends have been bugging me about wearing some of my own work, but it seems like most of the time I am going places where  I may not want to wear a scarf or wrap!  Then on those occasions that would work for me to wear one of my pieces I don&#39;t!  Part of that is because, as I am sure allot of artists feel the same way,  I am so busy making pieces that I can put up so sell that I don&#39;t take the time to make something for my own.  What a mistake, especially since I have learned that when I do wear something of my own design I could sell it right off my body!  Well, I needed a new purse for spring/summer, so I decided to felt the fabric I would use.  This was really an exercise in experimentation!  I completed the purse about a month ago and have been using it every time I leave the house!  I have potentially sold that purse at least half a dozen times!  Needless to say, I will be adding felted purses to my line up of new products!  It pays to self advertise!  I have spent so much of my time recently on marketing PRK Designs on various sites and groups that I haven&#39;t started any new projects until yesterday!  I went to the LA Fiber Guild meeting this weekend and was asked what projects I was working on.  I said I haven&#39;t had anything going for a while and one of the members asked  how can you stand it , well I can&#39;t !  Hence, I started a new felting project yesterday!  Going to create one of those purses I was talking about!  Will let you know when it is finished and up on the site, unless I decide to keep it of course!  Until then......................]]></description>
			<author>Pamela R. Kermgard</author>
			<category>My Blog - General Interest</category>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:31:17 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Creeping along</title>
			<link>http://www.prkdesigns.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=27&amp;Itemid=51</link>
			<description><![CDATA[That is certainly how I feel right now....  Like I am just creeping along in my efforts to market my business, both on this web site and my Etsy store!  I have been spending allot of time joining various fiber arts groups both online and in my own geographical area and not much time creating.  This is not good!  I know I need to get the word out about me and my passion for fiber arts, but lately I&#39;m not doing much with all of the fibers I have!  I did however say that I would tell you about my experience with wet felting various fibers.  The day that the LA Fiber Guild met, we each brought different fibers to felt in order to see how each one would react to the process.  I completed so to speak 4 different fibers.  Here are the results:The first fiber I chose was Baby Camel Top.  It is the most beautiful natural dark carmel color. I used 4 layers of fiber in a 6  square.  I worked with this fiber for over an hour and came to the conclusion that it wasn&#39;t going to felt!  If anyone out there has had a different experience with this fiber, please let me know!  It is so beautiful, but not very cooperative!Next came Blue Face Leicester. Again I used 4 layers and a 6  square.  After fullling I had a beautiful piece of felt 4  square.  There is allot of texture with this fiber.  You can still see all of the nautral crimp of the wool.  Then came Corridele.  Same 4 layers and 6  square.  Same 4  square after felting.  This is similar to the Blue Face in that you can see the natural crimp of the wool.  However, the hand is much coarser and stiffer than the Blue Face.  Probably better for items like purses or something that needs that stability.Next I tried Masham.  This time I used only 2 layers, same 6  square.  After fulling I ended up wtih the same 4  square.  This had the most visible texture of all the ones I tried.  It is really beautiful.  The crimp is very prominent in my sample.  I would love to hear from those of you who have been felters for more than 4 mos.!  I am so excited about this medium and want to learn all that I can.  I will continue to share with you my experiences and hope to have some finished projects for you to view on my site soon.  Until then.......................]]></description>
			<author>Pamela R. Kermgard</author>
			<category>My Blog - General Interest</category>
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 15:14:01 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Knitting Needles collecting dust!</title>
			<link>http://www.prkdesigns.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=26&amp;Itemid=51</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Yes it is true! I haven&#39;t picked up a pair of knitting needles in so long I am beginning to wonder if I still know how!  It&#39;s not that I haven&#39;t been working, but you wear many  hats  as they say, sometimes one thing is put to the side for a while in order to take care of the projects of the moment. I have spent a great deal of time trying to get up to speed on all of the online groups I have joined, and figure out how to connect all of them together!  I have a store on Etsy.com as I mentioned before (http://www.prkdesigns.etsy.com/). Take a look, because that is where you will find all of my pieces that have been posted at a reduced price.  These are pieces that I won&#39;t be making again, so you might want to check it out and take advantage. You will also find brooches that I am having so much fun making that you won&#39;t find on this site.I have joined the LA Fiber Guild which meets the first Sun. of each month. I am part of the group that is pursuing various methods of felting. Last week we tried felting several different types of wool fiber to see how each one reacted to the process. I have been around fiber my whole life and yet some of the fibers that some of the other members brought I had never heard of! I hope some of you have experience with what I would call uncommon fibers that you can share with me. I am so excited about learning these techniques and learning about all of the fibers I have been unaware of. If any of you have sources for interesting fibers and yarns that are produced by other artisans, again, please pass them on and I will do the same.Now I am off to my LinkedIn site, Etsy and Facebook to see what&#39;s going on. Next week I will share with you the fibers I worked with last week and how they felted. I will also give you ideas of how I might use each one. Please keep in mind that I am a beginner at this (blogging), but I am so excited that I want to share my experience. I will also share ideas on how I plan to combine the felt and knit together. This will be an experiment!  Until then...]]></description>
			<author>Pamela R. Kermgard</author>
			<category>My Blog - General Interest</category>
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 15:03:31 +0100</pubDate>
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		<item>
			<title>Where I Have Been</title>
			<link>http://www.prkdesigns.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=25&amp;Itemid=51</link>
			<description><![CDATA[As you may know if you have visited my web site for the instructions I have given for caring and storing knit items, you know it has been a long time since I have communicated with you.  One reason is to be honest, I really haven&#39;t really understood the idea of a blog and how to use it!  Well, I think I have a pretty good idea now, so from now on you can expect me to submit something each week. Last year I became very distracted, which is so easy for me, with and interior design project I volunteered to do at my Church.  I was happy to contribute, but it really took my focus off of the business I so love today.  This year I have really made the commitment to focus on this business.  I now have a presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Etsy!  I have learned allot in a very short time!  Shows what you can accomplish when you stay focussed!   I look forward to sharing with you different techniques I have been working on, new projects and a new passion I have discovered!I hope you stay tuned as I continue to learn how to use this new found way of communicating with you.  Share with your friends and I will bring you new ideas and ways of working with yarn and color and now roving.  I look forward to hearing ideas that you may have also.  Stay tuned...........................until next week.  Check out my store on Etsy.  You find some new things there that aren&#39;t in my web gallery.]]></description>
			<author>Pamela R. Kermgard</author>
			<category>My Blog - General Interest</category>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Artist Creates One-of-a-Kind Art for Fundraiser</title>
			<link>http://www.prkdesigns.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=23&amp;Itemid=38</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Looking at the jewel-toned colors played against the black depths of ebony, one can almost hear the vibrant tunes of a jazz melody emanating from the richly vivid hues. This is not a painting eliciting such a reaction, but rather the work of art as a lush shawl, handcrafted by artist Pamela Kermgard, PRK Designs, who conjured up this one-of-a-kind creation for auction at Union Station Foundation&#39;s fundraiser  An Evening for the Station  featuring music legend Sergio Mendes. I listen to jazz all the tim,   state Kermgard.  My vision was to create the rythm of jazz in the design&mdash;the soft parts and then the power where the horn comes in.  Aptly naming the stunning shawl  Rhythms in Jazz,  Kermgard sought to  capture the vibrancy and passion  of the genre through her artistry.In creating the shawl specifically for the fundraiser, Kermgard commented,  I&#39;m giving something that will give pleasure to the recipient for a lifetime. This is a piece of art to enhance their lives and, in doing so, they are generously helping the lives of others.  An accomplished designer, with a B.A. in interior design from Burbank-based Woodbury College, Kermgard is a local lady who ran her own design business for many years. Preferring art over architecture, Kermgard segued into designing  wearable art  over four years ago by retuning to knitting, a passionate pursuit of the designer. I&#39;m very tactile,  commented Kermgard.  I need to be able to get my hands in the thick of things, It&#39;s very exciting when you see the manifestation of what you see in your head come to life. I love that.  Kermgard designs wearable art for the woman who is  confident, self-assured and &#39;feels really good in her own skin.&#39;  Whether a shawl, scarf, wrap, poncho, or even an elegant evening bag, Kermgard&#39;s creations are works of art that people notice. The heirloom quality designs range in price from $250 to $1,0000 plus. Having donated her time, talent and materials to creating  Rhythms in Jazz  just for the Union Station Foundation fundraiser, Kermgard places firm faith in the beauty of her shawl as an opportunity to raise funds for charity. It is the artist&#39;s way of giving back to the community. The purchaser of the piece will not just have a treasured work of art, but through the auctioned item, will have contributed to a community cause for the poor and temporarily homeless. For information or tickets to Union Station Foundation&#39;s  An Evening for the Station,  visit www.unionstationfoundation.org. For information about designer Pamela Kermgard, visit www.prkdesigns.com.Orginially published in the Arcadian Weekly, written by Mary Ann Mace ]]></description>
			<author>Pamela R. Kermgard</author>
			<category>PRK News - Newsflash</category>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:06:57 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Blocking Hand-Knit Garments</title>
			<link>http://www.prkdesigns.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=15&amp;Itemid=50</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Once I have washed my garment, when you advise to dry flat, does that mean I have to block the piece again?In a sense; yes! I don&rsquo;t mean you have to pin each piece as I do in the initial blocking process. I do advise that you measure your garment prior to washing. Once you have washed your piece, it will be very pliable and will stretch easily while still wet. Lay the piece on a large absorbent, clean towel, and roll tightly to &ldquo;press&rdquo; out as much water as possible. Never twist your piece to remove water. Once you have removed as much water as possible, lay out on another large towel and measure the piece to make sure it is back to the size it was prior to cleaning. Simply &ldquo;pat&rdquo; into the desired shape and size and allow to dry completely.   ]]></description>
			<author>Pamela R. Kermgard</author>
			<category>FAQs - Caring for Hand-knit Garments</category>
			<pubDate>Sat, 02 Dec 2006 13:30:17 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Storing Your Hand-knit Garment</title>
			<link>http://www.prkdesigns.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=14&amp;Itemid=50</link>
			<description><![CDATA[What is the best way to store my hand knit scarves and shawls?Do not store by hanging on a hanger, especially a shawl. No matter how light-weight a yarn is, once it has been knit, it becomes &ldquo;heavy&rdquo; in relation to the weight of the yarn. Hand knits will stretch when hung, particularly those that have been knit more loosely. I store all of my scarves and shawls by rolling them. If it is a large piece, I will fold in half  and then roll. You want as few fold creases as possible, especially if stored for a lengthily period of time, such as seasonal storage.]]></description>
			<author>Pamela R. Kermgard</author>
			<category>FAQs - Caring for Hand-knit Garments</category>
			<pubDate>Sat, 02 Dec 2006 13:26:47 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>What is &quot;Blocking?&quot;</title>
			<link>http://www.prkdesigns.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=13&amp;Itemid=50</link>
			<description><![CDATA[You refer to blocking, what exactly do you mean?After the knitting has been done, every piece has to be blocked to the desired size and shape. If a garment consists of several pieces that are then &ldquo;sewn&rdquo; together, each piece is blocked prior to assembling. I pin every piece onto a large padded board. Once I have decided the exact shape and size of the piece I am going to block, I typically space the pins one inch apart around the entire perimeter of the piece. This is very time intensive, however, it is the best way to get the most accurate result. Once pinned, I use either steam or preferably I dampen the entire piece and leave it pinned for at least 24 hours. Once the piece goes through this process, it will retain the desired size and shape. This is when I measure each piece.You may find a slight difference between the approximate dimensions listed for each piece and its actual dimensions upon arrival. Every piece will &ldquo;relax&rdquo; slightly after being removed from the board. Dimensional differences within &frac14;&rdquo; to &frac12;&rdquo; should be expected.]]></description>
			<author>Pamela R. Kermgard</author>
			<category>FAQs - Caring for Hand-knit Garments</category>
			<pubDate>Sat, 02 Dec 2006 13:22:47 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Pamela Kermgard on Design</title>
			<link>http://www.prkdesigns.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=12&amp;Itemid=42</link>
			<description><![CDATA[In my experience, design is always an ongoing, ever-evolving endeavor; never static, and never  finished.  The process is a continuous challenge; a conundrum to ponder; to  know  when to stop&hellip; when enough is enough&hellip; when I&#39;ve achieved the  end  that was apparent upon commencement but, during its realization, takes on its own  personality,  growing&hellip; becoming&hellip; changing... maturing!As with any art form, your choice of fiber art should  speak  to you. It may attract you on a subliminal, almost spiritual level, and engage your intellect as would your best friend or favorite activity. When you wear art, it should intimately  connect  with your psyche and provide expression to the subtleties of your character; it should energize and emphasize your personality.When  wearable art  resonates your individuality and accentuates your charm, reveals your charisma, it&#39;s right for you! If, on the other hand, it makes you feel even slight discomfort, or otherwise subtracts from your being, then it&#39;s definitely NOT right for you! In my opinion (notwithstanding my obvious prejudice), wearable art, by its very definition, is the most intimate, personal piece of art you can own.Conversely, there are those who love my  one of a kind  pieces but, instead of wearing them, display them as a focal decoration on a wall to complete, or to provide a basis color pallet for, their home or office decor.I create many pieces that are vibrant with color and texture. Because of my passion for color and fiber, and the consummate delight I experience in creating beautiful, timeless wraps and accessories, I produce a wide variety of pieces that are entirely different. Some of my works may subtly enhance your existing wardrobe (or inspire new directions) and others are exclusively  show pieces,  to be displayed as art instead of being worn&hellip; you decide! My inspiration comes from many different sources; nature, fine art, architecture, photography&hellip; a snippet of yarn, fabric, or a unique or particularly vibrant hue can instantly ignite my creative zeal!I look forward to continuing the exploration of new ideas, materials, and techniques while bringing you the finest in garments, accessories, and home decor made with the finest quality yarns and fabrics available. It is extremely important to me to choose yarns that are the most versatile and  livable  available. I am always searching for quality yarns; not just from the large, established producers, but from exclusive artisans and individuals who spin and dye their own.As is the nature of anything that is handmade, each of my works is individually and lovingly created and conciously incorporates the true aesthetic and textural character and feel of the yarn(s) with all of its(their) imperfections and/or  premeditated blemishes  normally inherent in handcrafted yarns and fibers. Part of the beauty, design, and character of my works is the inclusion of small, natural imperfections in these highly-unique, often exclusive yarns that aren&#39;t machine-produced by the ton! I use an old-fashioned, manual knitting machine (manufactured in the 1940s), as opposed to an electrically-powered, computerized state-of-the-art behemoth. Many of my garments combine discretionary machine AND handwork to accomplish exactly the effect I have envisioned. These are among are myriad of infinite, discrete, and highly distinctive effects only possible with a manual knitting machine... coaxed to its ultimate capability and with two hands and two needles&hellip; so why NOT use both?I have a passion for design and a passion for creating with my own hands and am excited by all the possibilities and ideas I have for future projects. I look forward to expanding my Home Decor line and maintaining the artistic exclusivity of all my works... which is, in fact, the basis for starting this venture.I welcome your comments, questions, and inquiries. If you see a piece in my  regular  line that you would like in a different size or color, please let me know and I will accommodate that request as best I can. If, for any reason, I am unable to so, I will provide an explanation. (Please note, however, that my  one of a kind  pieces will not be duplicated for any reason.)]]></description>
			<author>gham</author>
			<category>Articles - About us</category>
			<pubDate>Sun, 22 Oct 2006 20:23:05 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>PRK Designs publishes new Web site</title>
			<link>http://www.prkdesigns.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=2&amp;Itemid=38</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Finally, after nearly a year in the making, it&#39;s here&hellip; the new PRK Designs Web site and Online Store.Although for the past several years my  venue  for exhibition has been mostly via juried art shows, I have been continually seeking a means to increase the exposure of my  wearable works of art  to a broader constituancy. The Internet seemed the perfect  vehicle! This area of the site will contain announcements and noteworthy mentions of happenings and developments in the  world of PRK Designs.  Please visit this page often for new information and announcements relating to this Web site, my creative  exploits,  techniques  and materials, and exhibitions (index.php?option=com_content task=blogsection id=4 Itemid=48). Please contact me (index.php?option=com_contact Itemid=3) with any questions, requests for content, link inquiries, or comments!Thanks for your interest and patronage!Pamela R. Kermgard]]></description>
			<author>gham</author>
			<category>PRK News - Newsflash</category>
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Aug 2004 08:30:34 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Welcome to PRK Designs!</title>
			<link>http://www.prkdesigns.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=1&amp;Itemid=46</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Thanks for visiting my NEW Web site! Please take your time in browsing this site and be sure to browse my  Collections (index.php?option=com_virtuemart Itemid=30)  (left column navigation) where I&#39;ve tried to show my works to the best of the Web&#39;s capability and where, if you desire, one can purchase my  original wearable works of art  by contacting me directly.  Simply go to the  contact us  link with your request and I will respond to you immediately regarding availability and payment options.If you have any comments, questions, or criticisms about my works, the site or its functionality, organization, or usability, or anything else that pops into your mind while browsing, please feel free to contact me! Please email me via the easy-to-use form provided under the  contact us (index.php?option=com_contact Item=3)  link (above left) or, if you prefer other means of communication, all of my contact information is provided there as well.I&#39;m always happy to make new friends! By the way, please allow me to link to your site (index.php?option=com_weblinks Item=37) and, if you&#39;d like, add my site link to yours (let me know (index.php?option=com_contact Item=3) if I can provide a Web-optimized logo, image, or otherwise assist).]]></description>
			<author>gham</author>
			<category>Articles - Latest News</category>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jun 2004 11:54:06 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>PRK Designs Return Policy</title>
			<link>http://www.prkdesigns.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=10&amp;Itemid=50</link>
			<description><![CDATA[We strive to offer the finest collection of  wearable works of art.  Because art in any form is very personal, both for the artist and the patron, it is our greatest desire that you are truly delighted with anything you purchase from PRK Designs. Great care has been taken to ensure that each finished piece meets or exceeds our stringent standard of quality. Please remember that, as with any artistic endeaver, minor material inconsistencies (not flaws), inherent to natural and/or handmade fibers, may normally exist. Often, in hand-knitted works, such  inconsistencies  artistically define the piece without which would diminish the creative intent. Such normal  anomalies  are intended and integral to the piece&#39;s design, uniqueness, and visual appeal (evident in its online representation herein) and should not be considered  defects  or reason for return. We are happy to accept returns for any other reason or cause you may have. Please return the article within 10 days for a refund or exchange. Please note on your invoice the reason for return and the action we should take (ex: return/refund, exchange for another item, etc...). Please include this information, along with a copy of your invoice, when you return article(s) to us. To ensure a full refund, please return the product to us in the same packaging as it was received. Poorly packaged items may cause damage in delivery to us and are then non-returnable. We require that returned items be in the same condition as when they were received (see  APPAREL RETURNS  below) and reserve the right to deny the return of any artlcle we determine inconsistent or incongruous with this policy.Returns should be mailed to:PRK DESIGNS620 W. Huntington Drive #105Arcadia, CA 91007ATTN: Customer ServiceDiscounted items are considered  final sale  and are not returnable.Damaged/Defective shipments: If you receive a damaged/defective item or shipment, please contact us IMMEDIATELY at (626) 445-1962. Our returns department will make arrangements for your replacement/return. Please have your invoice number ready when calling.Please note: SPECIAL ORDERS are not returnable/refundable since they are ordered per your request/specifications.APPAREL RETURNS:To ensure the utmost quality of our  wearable works of art,  we must confirm that returned items have not been worn. Therefore, any item returned to us must arrive in the same condition as when it was received by you. Original tag(s) must not be removed and bag(s), sticker(s), etc. must be attached in their original location(s) and fastened as they were when shipped. Any Item that does not meet this requirement will not be accepted for return. If we determine that the item has been worn, washed, or altered, it will not be accepted for return. If, for any reason, the apparel is not in the same pristine condition as it was when shipped to you, the item will not be accepted for return. If a return by mail is denied by us, you will be notified. If you decide to have the item shipped back to you, normal and customary shipping charges will be incurred by you. If UPS has damaged the item in shipment, your are required to notify us within 48 hours of receiving the item so that we may file a claim for replacement. Claims filed after 48 hours of receipt cannot be processed.We want you to be happy with your purchase and your shopping experience at PRK Designs. If, for any reason, our service or products fail to meet your expectations, we hope you will let us know. Your feedback is very important to us. If you have any questions regarding our return policy, please feel free to email us (mailto:pam@prkdesigns.com)!]]></description>
			<author>Pamela R. Kermgard</author>
			<category>FAQs - Online Store Returns Policy</category>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2004 11:54:06 +0100</pubDate>
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			<title>Rolling or Curling of Garment Edges</title>
			<link>http://www.prkdesigns.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;task=view&amp;id=11&amp;Itemid=50</link>
			<description><![CDATA[Why do I have a problem with some of the edges rolling / curling on my garment?This is a natural and normal characteristic of hand-knit garments. Though each piece is carefully blocked as a normal procedure in finishing, unless its edge is ribbed or fringed, some  rolling  or  curling  will occur.You will find that in all of my pieces where there is a &ldquo;raw&rdquo; edge, some slight rolling will occur. Each piece is blocked by hand which helps to minimize this natural effect but, because rolling and/or curling is an inherent characteristic of hand-knit natural fiber garments, it won&rsquo;t/can&#39;t completely prevent it. Some very exclusive, hand-made yarns may be somewhat more susceptible than others while most manufactured, synthentic yarns aren&#39;t susceptible to rolling/curling. This minor anomaly is typical of a hand-knit product...  and not considered a flaw.]]></description>
			<author>Pamela R. Kermgard</author>
			<category>FAQs - Characteristics of hand-knit garments</category>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 May 2004 11:54:06 +0100</pubDate>
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