Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Knitting for Knit with me, and a giveaway

One of the best things that's come out of blogging (next to making so many lovely friends) is that it's given me an opportunity to knit for some amazing designers. I was thrilled when Gudrun Johnston of the Shetland Trader hired me to knit two samples for her latest collection of patterns, Knit with Me, recently published by Quince and Co. I've been a fan of Gudrun's for such a long time, and knew that a Quince and Co/Shetland Trader collaboration would result in some gorgeous stuff!

Here are the 2 pieces I knit:




McIntosh is an adorable, wearable cardi in pretty stripes. A great, four-seasons wardrobe staple.







Brock has so many feminine details. I especially love the gently curving hem, the sweet sleeves, and the neat i-cord edgings.


 I knit the adult version shown here.


I think the concept of this collection is so charming, and the designs truly look lovely and suitable on both mothers and daughters. And like all Quince and Co pattern books, it's beautifully styled and photographed.

Gudrun is hosting a knitalong for her book, and I'm trying to decide which sweater I'm going to make for myself. I'm leaning towards the Empire cardi in Chickadee, in the Bird's egg colourway:



Or a wee Soay in that pretty honey colour that Gudrun is sporting. 

I love these mother-daughter shots!

Honestly, I would love to knit and wear the entire collection! And I'm sure you will want to too. Quince and Co has generously donated a copy of Knit with Me to give to one of you. Leave an comment below to win a copy of this fantastic book, and if you have an opinion, let me know which sweater you think I should knit, or which one you would like to make for yourself. You have till Christmas Eve to enter. I'll announce the winner on Christmas day. Good luck!
 



(Thank you to super-talented Carrie Bostick Hoge for giving me permission to use her gorgeous images. Some of these have never been published! And thank you Quince and Co for the book donation and of course Gudrun for giving me the opportunity to work with her.)

82 comments:

  1. DeniseDecember 18, 2012 at 4:46 PM

    I love cardigans! These are soo pretty.

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  2. Vibeke December 18, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    i am CRAZY about this book so i would love to enter this give-away.

    a little while back i bought the soay pattern and i am currently knitting one for my mother. i am going to make one for myself afterwards, i just LOVE that cardi!
    when i am going to knit it for myself i think i will order yarn from quince and co instead of buying something here in norway. i have for a long time been wanting to try some of their yarns, i even ordered a colorshade card a year ago so i should just order the yarn i want for it straight away
    : )

    vibeke



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  3. DeeDecember 18, 2012 at 5:13 PM

    Lovely book with such stylish sweaters. Any would be a great choice.

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  4. tichtachDecember 18, 2012 at 5:38 PM

    they all are so very beautiful! If I had to choose only one as a favorite, it will be the cardigan with stripes :-)

    I keep my fingers crossed!

    Tina

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  5. CindyDecember 18, 2012 at 5:58 PM

    I have to admit to being tempted to buy the book based on your samples. I would love to win a copy, though.

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  6. WendyDecember 18, 2012 at 5:59 PM

    Oh, my! Such gorgeous cardi's!! I would have difficulty choosing, too. Make both, I say. ;)

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  7. by Annie ClaireDecember 18, 2012 at 6:29 PM

    I already purchased this book so please don't count me in, but I just want to say how much I love the Brock cardigan and all your hard work! I'm joining in the KAL too and yes, Brock is my choice... now to choose a colour!!

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  8. AnonymousDecember 18, 2012 at 6:35 PM

    This is such a beautiful book, and I'm planning on purchasing it in the new year... however, I definitely wouldn't say no to winning a copy instead. :)

    Cheryl

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  9. harmony and rosieDecember 18, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    Oh well done you. I came over to say congratulations on being included in the book and find you are having a giveaway too. I've been eyeing up the patterns in Gudrun's latest book and they are beautiful. I think I would plump for Soay, it is particularly covetable.
    Kate x

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  10. DianaDecember 18, 2012 at 8:24 PM

    I love Gudrun's patterns. You did such a lovely job on the cardigans; I love the striped one.

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  11. crystalDecember 18, 2012 at 9:30 PM

    What a amazing prize. I love the brock sweater but- want to knit everything in this book. :)

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  12. Margie OomenDecember 18, 2012 at 9:41 PM

    i love all these sweaters and the "real" models wearing them. I am so amazed that you get to knit sample sweaters that are so you in colour and design.
    xo

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  13. Kirstin AnneDecember 18, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    I love this book too, everything is classic and creative at the same time. I really like the empire cardigan as well, and I think it suits your style! I also think it would look lovely in the chanterelle color.

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  14. JodiDecember 18, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    Such a beautiful collection, and what gorgeous samples you knit! I veer toward Soay because it seems a little different in spirit from the samples you just knit. Plus I think it would look lovely with dresses -- so many cardigans are too long or too full to look good with dresses.

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  15. KimDecember 18, 2012 at 11:24 PM

    I always love the look of a "shrunken" cardi, so my vote is for you to make Soay!
    Wouldn't I love a copy of this book, so I could knit some sweaters too!
    Best luck to me! (oops!)

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  16. AnonymousDecember 18, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    Gorgeous designs. Gorgeous knitting. I would love a chance to win! Patriceodonoghue (rav)

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  17. AnonymousDecember 19, 2012 at 1:04 AM

    I've had my eye on making Soay for some time now, and I love the clean striped look of McIntosh. Now if only I can get some luck on my side :) I'm aejaz on rav, just in case!

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  18. NancyDecember 19, 2012 at 1:07 AM

    I'd love to knit the Brock cardi, with its sweet details and interesting shape. The book looks beautiful; how exciting for you to have contributed to it. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  19. AnonymousDecember 19, 2012 at 1:37 AM

    love that soay, thanks for this give away

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  20. GreenorchidDecember 19, 2012 at 4:07 AM

    I'd love a chance to win this lovely book too please... I think I would knit the Empire cardigan too in a nice deep forest green... smiles Cass

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  21. GreerDecember 19, 2012 at 4:08 AM

    I've had my eye on Soay for awhile. Merry Christmas!

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  22. JulesDecember 19, 2012 at 5:04 AM

    Oh, they are such lovely designs and beautifully knitted too ; )

    I say Soay for you! But I can also totally see you wearing Braeburn... I love Brock.

    Thank you for offering us the chance to win... and may you have a beautifully peaceful Christmas and 2013 xx

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  23. DiliaDecember 19, 2012 at 7:16 AM

    Brock is so beautiful! I'd go for that one :)

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  24. Jacqui DoddsDecember 19, 2012 at 7:48 AM

    Thank you for the introduction to Quince and Co and you have knitted the samples beautifully. I think I would like to knit Brock in the lovely green/blue colour that your sample is made of.
    I like both the choices that you have made - Empire and Soay - I think you should knit them both.

    Jacqui

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  25. Sarah SidotiDecember 19, 2012 at 9:35 AM

    Love the McIntosh!

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  26. Annie CholewaDecember 19, 2012 at 9:36 AM

    Gudrun and Quince yarns combined ... heaven!!!

    I'm hopeless at offering suggestions as to what others should knit for themselves but for myself I'd knit Braeburn ... I love it, absolutely my kind of sweater :D

    I'm going to pop a link to your giveaway on my blog Nicole and share the Gudrun/Quince love, hope that's okay.

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  27. AnonymousDecember 19, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    Your finished work is so lovely! Congratulations! I love the concept of this project and love all of the designs, in particular I love Brock's details.
    Kim B.
    Kbuergel@yahoo.com

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  28. LauraDecember 19, 2012 at 10:36 AM

    It's a beautiful collection. I love the hemline on Brock!

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  29. Missy knitsDecember 19, 2012 at 11:13 AM

    I love everything about this project--the designs, the yarns, the knitters, the photographer, the concept!! I think you should knit the Empire...and I might just have to knit one for myself too! Your cardis for the book turned out beautiful.

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  30. periwinklingDecember 19, 2012 at 11:40 AM

    I am in LOVE with Brock... I really would love the opportunity to make that!

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  31. AnonymousDecember 19, 2012 at 1:31 PM

    Soay is beautiful and the lace detail is very flattering. I also love the Ambrosia cardigan...cables and a hood! Perfect for this time of year.

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  32. Mousy BrownDecember 19, 2012 at 2:25 PM

    I do love the Soay - in both colours...but then again I'm fairly sure I'd be VERY happy with any of them! :D

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  33. AnonymousDecember 19, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    I can't decide which pattern to knit up for myself. I'd love to see McIntosh knitted up in other color combinations......
    Thanks for the chance win a copy of Gundrun's lovely book.

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  34. LingDecember 19, 2012 at 4:46 PM

    If I'd win, I would start with Brock in a slightly darker blue. Your knitting looks awesome, it looks absolutely flawless!

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  35. evergreenknitsDecember 19, 2012 at 5:06 PM

    I've been admiring these beautiful sweaters on Gudrun's blog -- how neat to find out that they were your knitting handiwork!

    I think Soay is my favorite. Such great lines to it.

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  36. make and doDecember 19, 2012 at 5:30 PM

    The empire cardi is a good pick but you couldn't go wrong with any of them! Gudrun is so awesome

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  37. LisaDecember 19, 2012 at 6:54 PM

    I love the look of Empire! It can be dressy and it can be worn casual. All of Gudrun's designs are fabulous! And her assessories are amazing as well! Thank you for this opportunity.

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  38. AnonymousDecember 19, 2012 at 7:32 PM

    Love the Empire Cardi. I think it will be perfect for you in that color. Happy holidays! Brenda

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  39. robin54December 19, 2012 at 7:52 PM

    You were so fortunate to be a part of this. Go for Empire; I'd knit Brock. Thanks for the opportunity to win the book!

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  40. punkcutieDecember 19, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    I love them all, but I think Soay is my favorite

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  41. The A.D.D. KnitterDecember 19, 2012 at 8:53 PM

    Good grief woman your stitch definition is PERFECT in every way! Can I be you when I grow up?;)

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  42. HollyMDecember 19, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    I think I like the Empire cardi.

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  43. Suburban prepDecember 19, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    it is hard to pick one but I would go for the Brock sweater.

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  44. DianeDecember 20, 2012 at 2:29 AM

    Beautiful work as always, Nicole! What I wouldn't give to win a copy of this book...with 3 daughters I love the concept. I think we'd all suit an "ambrosia" and that would probably be the first one I'd try. Thanks for the chance to win :-)

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  45. suzenewDecember 20, 2012 at 6:53 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  46. suzenewDecember 20, 2012 at 6:55 AM

    This is such a wonderful collection. I think that you cannot go wrong with which ever one you choose

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  47. KarenDecember 20, 2012 at 9:04 AM

    I just love all the patterns in this book. I can't wait to cast on Brock, such a lovely design.

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  48. floraDecember 20, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    beautiful knits and wonderful collection!

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  49. elizaDecember 20, 2012 at 11:59 AM

    honestly, the empire sweater in robins egg blue seems like something you would wear a LOT. but i'd love to see you in mustard yellow!

    i don't know what i would pick! all of the sweaters look so wearable! i'll have to mull over it for a few days!

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  50. Lennette DanielsDecember 20, 2012 at 2:49 PM

    I love the mother-daughter shots too and I love that sweater. My teenage daughter would love that. I wonder if we could get a pic like that.

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  51. CelticCastOnDecember 20, 2012 at 3:44 PM

    I can see you in Braeburn or McIntosh.
    I love Soay and Ambrosia seems like the perfect cardi for the Ridge.

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  52. Erin JoyDecember 20, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    I live in cardigans. I would live in that striped one. So nice of you to share the love!

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  53. stephDecember 20, 2012 at 5:05 PM

    gosh--they are all beautiful, but Brock MUST be in my closet soon!!! Love it!!!!!

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  54. JulieDecember 20, 2012 at 5:39 PM

    These are all gorgeous but I think I would start with Brock for either myself or one of my daughters. Maybe I need to make one for each of us! Such beautiful designs.

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  55. ChrissyteenychanDecember 20, 2012 at 7:19 PM

    Soay has been in my Ravelry queue for years. Now I'm going to have to add Brock and the Empire cardigan. They are all lovely. Thank you for sharing.

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  56. blue handsDecember 21, 2012 at 3:21 AM

    Ooh, just got directed over here from Knitsofacto's blog. What lovely patterns - just love Brock. Will be following you now (that always sounds so stalker-ish - we've never even "met" before!).

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  57. Cristina RoseDecember 21, 2012 at 5:34 AM

    oh what a lovely book, i love that blue cardigan :)

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  58. ElizabethDecember 21, 2012 at 7:29 AM

    I'm with you on the Empire. I haven't knit with Quince & Co. but I'm dying to!

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  59. JulieDecember 21, 2012 at 10:41 AM

    I have the book on my list so winning one would be wonderful. I love the soay. Juliex

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  60. SandraDecember 21, 2012 at 11:00 AM

    All the designs are beautiful and feminine..would like to knit BROCK...so delicate-love the I Cord finishing!

    Sandra

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  61. AnonymousDecember 21, 2012 at 12:24 PM

    I am new to your Blog just as I am new to knitting. My daughter and I often knit together. She is much more talented than I. We both would love making matching sweaters and if I need help she would be there. BTW My favorite is the blue and white strip.

    Happy Knitting

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  62. fairynuffDecember 21, 2012 at 2:05 PM

    What a decision! I'd personally choose Brock. I love the details, the shape, though unsure of which colour. Oh, and I have a nephew with the same name :-)

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  63. ChrisCDecember 21, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    So pretty!!! I particularly love the stripey one, but I also really like Brock (although it's a bit short for my taste -- I would extend the length) Thanks for the fun giveaway!

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  64. SarahDecember 21, 2012 at 4:16 PM

    Greetings from Canada!
    I like all the pieces, but was immediately taken with the Soay design.
    I hope I win but even if not, thanks to Annie at Knitsofacto for guiding to me to your site!
    Best wishes,
    Sarah

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  65. Connie K.December 21, 2012 at 5:03 PM

    I love Brock! It looks like it would be flattering on everyone, and I especially love the curved hem.

    greyowl60@yahoo.com

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  66. Véronique MazièreDecember 21, 2012 at 6:17 PM

    I love Empire, but the all collection is really nice!

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  67. VanDecember 21, 2012 at 8:16 PM

    Your work is beautiful and all of the designs are lovely. I already have Soya in pomegranate but Ambrosia seems like a lovely layering cardi, especially the squishy garter details. Happy Holidays and thanks for your cheery blog 😊

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  68. AnonymousDecember 21, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    Thank you for sharing the beauty! I like Brock, with the wavy pattern, and also the pieces in the stack are intriguing. The blue item at the bottom and the middle piece with cables... All inspiring!

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  69. Barb T.December 22, 2012 at 12:18 PM

    Difficult to choose, but I think I'd opt for Brock.

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  70. craftivoreDecember 22, 2012 at 1:12 PM

    What lovely knits! That last photo of the pile has me drooling. I've loved Soay for a long time, I vote for that.

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  71. PixelatedMushroomDecember 22, 2012 at 6:57 PM

    McIntosh looks like it would be a lovely knit - choosing two colours that go together would be fun too!

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  72. AnonymousDecember 22, 2012 at 7:52 PM

    I would have to go with chickadee, love it.
    Karen

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  73. Belle Fleur de LisDecember 23, 2012 at 5:43 AM

    very lovely !

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  74. StephDecember 23, 2012 at 1:07 PM

    I can't wait to make one of each!

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  75. CarmenDecember 23, 2012 at 5:50 PM

    Mon Dieu, those are so sweet and feminine! Beautiful knitting, Nicole, as always!!!

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  76. Sonia / COZY MEMORIESDecember 24, 2012 at 3:51 AM

    The Empire cardi is pretty awesome, I think. Of course *I* don't knit, but my mom does, and she even knitted something for hubby as his Christmas gift ! (he'll be so surprised !!)
    I also wanted to wish you & your loved ones a wonderful Christmas, as peaceful & yet as exciting as it can be ! Sending you warm hugs xoxo

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  77. AnonymousDecember 24, 2012 at 4:34 AM

    Hi Nicole,
    I just discovered your blog. Beautifull photo's !Perfect knittings, wauw ! But... i'm a knitting lover.
    So i discoverd Q&C also, nice knittings .I like the Soay pattern, beautifull neckline and ajourpattern.I 'd say you make it in a shade of grey and i in a kind of red ;) marleen
    Marleen

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  78. SweetBayDecember 24, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    This is a lovely collection. My fav is Brock and that pale blue looks beautiful!

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  79. josieDecember 24, 2012 at 2:35 PM

    The Brock is lovely! Thanks for the giveaway during the giving season! I love Christmas :)

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  80. Liz BuckhamDecember 24, 2012 at 5:17 PM

    I have it finally figured out...I need to hire my own team of knitters to simply knit all of the wonderful things that are out there. On my own I'll never get them done....lol Absolutley beautiful cardi's. Merry Christmas everyone!

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  81. DeeapaulitanDecember 27, 2012 at 9:18 AM

    I'm simply going to cross my fingers and say a prayer... :)

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  82. justineFebruary 7, 2013 at 4:15 PM

    Whoa. That's my friend Cindy in the robin's egg Brock sweater. I haven't seen her in years though we still exchange notes. To funny to come across her while blog browsing!

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Merci, my sweeties, for taking the time to leave a comment!