DROPS Nord
DROPS Nord
45% Alpaca, 30% Polyamide, 25% Wool
from 2.70 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 18.90£.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS SS24

Avalanche Sweater

Knitted jumper in DROPS Nord. The piece is worked top down with double neck, round yoke, relief-pattern and split in sides. Sizes S - XXXL.

DROPS 243-8
DROPS Design: Pattern no-076
Yarn group A
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SIZES:
S - M - L - XL - XXL - XXXL

YARN:
DROPS NORD from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group A)
350-400-450-500-550-600 g colour 01, off white

NEEDLES:
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLES SIZE 3 MM: Length 40 cm and 80 cm.
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLES SIZE 2.5 MM: Length 40 cm and 80 cm.
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 3 MM.
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 2.5 MM.
DROPS CABLE NEEDLE.
The technique MAGIC LOOP can be used – you then only need 80 cm circular needle in each size.

KNITTING TENSION:
26 stitches in width and 34 rows in height with stocking stitch = 10 x 10 cm.
NOTE: Needle size is only a guide. If you get too many stitches on 10 cm, change to a larger needle size. If you get too few stitches on 10 cm, change to a smaller needle size.

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Alternative Yarn – See how to change yarns here
Yarn Groups A to F – Use the same pattern and change the yarn here
Yarn usage using an alternative yarn – Use our yarn converter here

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DROPS Nord
DROPS Nord
45% Alpaca, 30% Polyamide, 25% Wool
from 2.70 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 18.90£.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

Pattern instructions

NOTE: This pattern is written in British English. All measurements in charts are in cm. For conversion from cm to inches - click here. There are different terms for crocheting in British and American English. If this pattern includes crochet, click for "crochet terms" here. For this pattern in American English, please click here.
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EXPLANATIONS FOR THE PATTERN:
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EDGE STITCHES (for rib at bottom):
3 edge stitches are worked on each side of the piece. They are knitted from both the right and wrong side (garter stitch).

ELEVATION:
To make the jumper a little higher at the back you can work the following elevation. Skip this section if you do not want an elevation.
Insert 1 marker at the beginning of the round (mid-back).
Start from the right side and knit 16-17-18-19-20-21 stitches past the marker, turn, tighten the strand and purl 32-34-36-38-40-42 back.
Turn, tighten the strand and knit 48-51-54-57-60-63, turn, tighten the strand and purl 64-68-72-76-80-84 back.
Turn, tighten the strand and knit 80-85-90-95-100-105, turn, tighten the strand and purl 96-102-108-114-120-126 back.
Turn, tighten the strand and knit to mid-back.

PATTERN:
See diagrams A.1 to A.3. Choose diagram for your size (applies to A.2).

INCREASE TIP (evenly spaced):
Increase 1 stitch by making 1 yarn over which is worked twisted on the next round to avoid a hole.

DECREASE TIP (for sleeves):
Decrease 1 stitch on each side of the marker-thread as follows: Work until there are 3 stitches left before the marker-thread, knit 2 together, knit 2 (marker-thread sits between these 2 stitches), slip 1 stitch knit-wise, knit 1 and pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch.

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START THE PIECE HERE:

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JUMPER – SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PIECE:
The neck and yoke are worked in the round with circular needle, from mid back and top down. You can work an elevation at the back if you wish. The yoke is divided for body and sleeves and the body is continued in the round with circular needle as far as the split in each side, then each piece is finished separately back and forth with circular needle. The sleeves are worked in the round with circular needle/double pointed needles.

DOUBLE NECK:
Cast on 136-140-146-150-156-166 stitches with DROPS Nord, using short circular needles size 2.5 and 3 mm held together. Remove the needle size 3 mm (this gives you an elastic cast-on edge). Work rib in the round (knit 1, purl 1) for 9-9-9-11-11-11 cm.
Fold the neck double to the inside and work 1 more round of rib, working every 4th stitch together with its corresponding stitch on the cast-on edge.
You now have a double neck.

YOKE:
Change to circular needle size 3 mm. Knit 1 round and increase 34-36-36-38-40-42 stitches evenly spaced – read INCREASE TIP = 170-176-182-188-196-208 stitches.
Insert 1 marker in the middle of the round (mid-front) – this is used to measure the yoke.
You can now work an ELEVATION at the back – read description above.
If you do not want an elevation, go straight to the next section.

Work stocking stitch. REMEMBER THE KNITTING TENSION!
When the yoke measures 3-4-6-2-3-4 cm from the marker, increase 38-40-42-40-40-42 stitches evenly spaced = 208-216-224-228-236-250 stitches. The increases for the relief-pattern are now finished in sizes S, M and L.

SIZES XL, XXL and XXXL:
When the yoke measures 4-6-8 cm from the marker, increase 36-36-38 stitches evenly spaced = 264-272-288 stitches.

ALL SIZES:
= 208-216-224-264-272-288 stitches. Continue with stocking stitch until the yoke measures 4-5-7-5-7-9 cm from the marker.
Work A.1 26-27-28-33-34-36 times on the round. Continue this pattern and AT THE SAME TIME increase stitches evenly spaced on each round marked with an arrow in A.1 as follows:
Arrow-1: Increase 40-48-56-48-56-56 stitches evenly spaced = 248-264-280-312-328-344 stitches.
Arrow-2: Increase 40-48-56-38-50-48 stitches evenly spaced = 288-312-336-350-378-392 stitches.

When A.1 is finished the yoke measures approx. 10-11-13-11-13-15 cm from the marker on mid front. Now work A.2, 24-26-28-25-27-28 times on the round. Continue this pattern and increase as shown in the diagram.
When you have worked as far as the round marked with arrow-3 in the diagram, there are 384-416-448-500-540-560 stitches. Continue the pattern and increase 12-4-6-0-6-18 stitches evenly on the round marked with arrow-3 = 396-420-454-500-546-578 stitches.

When A.2 is finished the yoke measures approx. 21-22-24-26-28-30 cm from the marker.
Now divide for the body and sleeves as follows: Work the first round in A.3 over the first 59-65-69-75-82-90 stitches and increase 6-6-7-7-8-9 stitches evenly over these (= 65-71-76-82-90-99 stitches on half back piece), place the next 80-80-89-100-109-109 stitches on 1 thread for the sleeve, cast on 8-8-10-10-12-12 stitches (in side under sleeve), work the first round in A.3 over the next 118-130-138-150-164-180 stitches and increase 12-12-14-14-16-18 stitches evenly over these (= 130-142-152-164-180-198 stitches on front piece), place the next 80-80-89-100-109-109 stitches on 1 thread for the sleeve, cast on 8-8-10-10-12-12 stitches (in side under sleeve), work the first round in A.3 over the last 59-65-69-75-82-90 stitches and increase 6-6-7-7-8-9 stitches evenly over these (= 65-71-76-82-90-99 stitches on half back piece). Cut the strand.
The body and sleeves are finished separately! The piece is now measured from here.

BODY:
= 276-300-324-348-384-420 stitches. Insert 1 marker in the middle of the 8-8-10-10-12-12 stitches cast on under 1 sleeve.
Start at the marker and work A.3, 23-25-27-29-32-35 times on the round.
When A.3 is finished, you have decreased 1 stitch in each repeat (23-25-27-29-32-35 decreased stitches) = 253-275-297-319-352-385 stitches.
Continue with stocking stitch and adjust the stitch count to 254-276-296-318-354-384 on the first round.

When the piece measures 14-15-15-15-15-15 cm from the division, divide for the split in each side. Place the first 127-138-148-159-177-192 stitches on circular needle size 2.5 mm (front piece). Leave the other 127-138-148-159-177-192 stitches on the needle size 3 mm.

FRONT PIECE:
Knit 1 row from the right side and increase 46-49-53-58-64-71 stitches evenly spaced = 173-187-201-217-241-263 stitches.
From the wrong side: Work 3 EDGE STITCHES – read description above, * purl 1, knit 1 *, work from *-* until there are 4 stitches left, purl 1 and 3 edge stitches. Work this rib back and forth for 8 cm. Cast off – you can use Italian cast off. The jumper measures approx. 48-50-52-54-56-58 cm from the shoulder.

BACK PIECE:
Place the 127-138-148-159-177-192 stitches on circular needle size 2.5 mm and work in the same way as the front piece.

SLEEVES:
Start mid-under one sleeve, knit up 1 stitch in each of 4-4-5-5-6-6 cast-on stitches, place the 80-80-89-100-109-109 stitches from the thread on short circular needle size 3 mm. Work the first round in A.3 over these stitches and increase 8-8-9-10-11-11 stitches evenly spaced, then knit up 1 stitch in each of the remaining 4-4-5-5-6-6 cast-on stitches under the sleeve = 96-96-108-120-132-132 stitches.
Insert a marker-thread in the middle of the 8-8-10-10-12-12 stitches under the sleeve; allow it to follow your work onwards – it is used when decreasing under the sleeve.
Work A.3, 8-8-9-10-11-11 times on the round. When A.3 is finished you have decreased 1 stitch in each repeat (8-8-9-10-11-11 decreased stitches).
Continue with stocking stitch. AT THE SAME TIME, when the sleeve measures 2 cm, decrease 1 stitch on each side of the marker-thread – read DECREASE TIP. Decrease like this every 2nd round a total of 2-0-3-7-10-10 times, then every 4th round 6-6-8-8-8-8 times = 72-76-77-80-85-85 stitches. Continue working until the sleeve measures 36-35-34-32-31-29 cm from the division (try the jumper on, there is approx. 8 cm left before the rib). Change to double pointed needles size 2.5 mm. Knit 1 round and increase 26-26-29-30-31-31 stitches evenly spaced = 98-102-106-110-116-116 stitches. Work rib (knit 1, purl 1) for 8 cm. Cast off in the same way as on the body.
Work the other sleeve in the same way.

Diagram

symbols = knit
symbols = purl
symbols = between 2 stitches make 1 yarn over which is knitted on the next round (hole)
symbols = between 2 stitches make 1 yarn over which is purled twisted on the next round (no hole)
symbols = knit 2 together
symbols = place 1 stitch on cable needle in front of piece, knit 1, knit 1 from cable needle
symbols = place 1 stitch on cable needle behind the piece, knit 1, purl 1 from cable needle
symbols = place 1 stitch on cable needle in front of piece, purl 1, knit 1 from cable needle
symbols = knit 3, pass the first knitted stitch over the other 2, so it lies around them
symbols = slip 1 stitch knit-wise, knit 2 together and pass the slipped stitch over the knitted-together stitches
symbols = no stitch, as it was either decreased earlier or didn’t exist; go straight to next symbol in diagram
diagram
diagram
diagram
diagram

Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.

Do you have a question? See a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Knitting tension is what determines the final measurements of your work, and is usually measured per 10 x 10 cm. It is provided like so: number of stitches in width x number of rows in height - eg: 19 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm.

The knitting tension is very individual; some people knit/crochet loosely while others work tightly. You adjust the knitting tension with the needle size, which is why the suggested needle size is only meant as a guide! You need to adjust this (up or down) to ensure that YOUR knitting tension matches the knitting tension provided in the pattern. If you work with a different knitting tension than provided you will have a different yarn consumption, and your work will have different measurements than what the pattern suggests.

The knitting tension also determines which yarns can replace each other. As long as you achieve the same knitting tension you can replace one yarn with another.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

The required amount of yarn is provided in grams, eg: 450 g. To calculate how many balls you’ll need you first need to know how many grams are in 1 ball (25g, 50g or 100g). This information is available if you click on the individual yarn quality on our pages. Divide the amount required with the amount of each ball. For example, if each ball is 50g (the most common amount), the calculation will be as follows: 450 / 50 = 9 balls.

The important thing when changing from one yarn to another is that the knitting/crochet tension remains the same. This is so that the measurements of the finished piece will be the same as on the sketch provided. It is easier to achieve the same knitting tension using yarns from the same yarn group. It is also possible to work with multiple strands of a thinner yarn to achieve the knitting tension of a thicker one. Please try our yarn converter. We recommend you to always work a test swatch.

Please NOTE: when changing yarn the garment might have a different look and feel to the garment in the photo, due to individual properties and qualities of each yarn.

See DROPS lesson: Can I use a different yarn than the one mentioned in the pattern?

All our yarns are categorised into yarn groups (from A to F) according to thickness and knitting tension – group A contains the thinnest yarns and group F the thickest. This makes it easier for you to find alternative yarns to our patterns, should you wish to switch yarn. All yarns within the same group have a similar knitting tension and can easily replace each other. However, different yarn qualities have different structures and properties which will give the finished work a unique look and feel.

Click here for an overview of the yarns in each yarn group

At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn calculator, which is a helpful tool should you wish to use a different yarn than suggested. By filling in the yarn quality you wish to replace, the amount (in your size) and number of strands, the calculator will present good alternative yarns with the same knitting tension. Additionally it will tell you how much you’ll require in the new qualities and whether you’ll need to work with multiple strands. Most skeins are 50g (some are 25g or 100g).

If the pattern is worked with multiple colours, every colour will have to be calculated separately. Similarly, if the pattern is worked with several strands of different yarns (for example 1 strand Alpaca and 1 strand Kid-Silk) you will have to find alternatives for each, individually.

Click here to see our yarn calculator

Since different yarns have different qualities and textures we have chosen to keep the original yarn in our patterns. However, you can easily find options among our available qualities by using our yarn calculator, or simply pick a yarn from the same yarn group.

It is possible that some retailers still have discontinued yarns in stock, or that someone has a few skeins at home that they would like to find patterns for.

The yarn calculator will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.

If you think it's hard to decide what size to make, it can be a good idea to measure a garment you own already and like the size of. Then you can pick the size by comparing those measures with the ones available in the pattern's size chart.

You'll find the size chart at the bottom of the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read size chart

The needle size provided in the pattern serves only as a guide, the important thing is to follow the knitting tension. And since knitting tension is very individual, you will have to adjust the needle size to ensure that YOUR tension is the same as in the pattern – maybe you’ll have to adjust 1, or even 2 needle sizes, up or down to achieve the correct tension. For this, we recommend that you work test swatches.

Should you work with a different knitting tension than the one provided, the measurements of the finished garment might deviate from the measurement sketch.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a tension/gauge swatch

Working a garment top-down provides more flexibility and room for personal adjustment. For example it is easier to try the garment on while working, as well as making adjustments to length of yoke and shoulder caps.

The instructions are carefully explaining every step, in the correct order. Diagrams are adjusted to the knitting direction and are worked as usual.

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is read from bottom to top, from right to left. 1 square = 1 stitch.

When working back and forth, every other row is worked from the right side and every other row is worked from the wrong side. When working from the wrong side, the diagram will have to be worked reversed: from left to right, knit stitches are purled, purl stitches are knit etc.

When working in the round every round is worked from the right side and the diagram are worked from right to left on all rounds.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is worked from bottom to top, from right to left.

When working back and forth every other row is worked from the right side: from right to left and every other row is worked from the wrong side: from left to right.

When working in the round, every row in the diagram are worked from the right side, from right to left.

When working a circular diagram you start in the middle and work your way outwards, counter clockwise, row by row.

The rows usually start with a given number of chain stitches (equivalent to the height of the following stitch), this will either be depicted in the diagram or explained in the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

Instructions for working several diagrams after each other on the same row/round, will often be written like so: “work A.1, A.2, A.3 a total of 0-0-2-3-4 times". This means you work A.1 once, then A.2 is worked once, and A.3 is repeated (in width) the number of times provided for your size – in this case like so: S = 0 times, M = 0 times, L=2 times, XL= 3 times and XXL = 4 times.

The diagrams are worked as usual: begin with the first row in A.1, then work the first row in A.2 etc.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

The total width of the garment (from wrist-to-wrist) will be larger in the larger sizes, despite the actual sleeves being shorter. The larger sizes have longer sleeve caps and wider shoulders, so there will be a good fit in all sizes.

The measurement sketch/schematic drawing provides information regarding the full length of the garment. If it’s a jumper or a jacket the length is measured from the highest point on the shoulder closest to the neckline, and straight down to the bottom of the garment. It is NOT measured from the tip of shoulder. Similarly, the length of yoke is measured from the highest point on the shoulder and down to where yoke is split into body and sleeves.

On a jacket measures are never taken along bands, unless specifically stated. Always measure inside band stitches when measuring the length.

See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing

Diagrams are often repeated on the round or in height. 1 repeat is the diagram the way it appears in the pattern. If it says to work 5 repeats of A.1 in the round, then you work A.1 a total of 5 times after/next to each other in the round. If it says to work 2 repeats of A.1 vertically/in height you work the entire diagram once, then begin again at the start and work the entire diagram one more time.

Chain stitches are slightly narrower than other stitches and to avoid working the cast-on edge too tight, we simply chain more stitches to begin with. The stitch count will be adjusted on the following row to fit the pattern and measurement sketch.

The rib edge is more elastic and will contract slightly compared to, for example, stocking stitch. By increasing before the rib edge, you avoid a visible difference in width between the rib edge and the rest of the body.

It’s very easy to cast off too tightly, and by making yarn overs while casting off (and simultaneously casting these off) you avoid a too tight cast off edge.

See DROPS video: How to bind off with yarn overs (yo)

To achieve an even increase (or decrease) you can increase on, for example: every 3rd and 4th row alternately, like so: work 2 rows and increase on the 3rd row, work 3 rows and increase on the 4th. Repeat this until the increase is complete.

See DROPS lesson: Increase or decrease 1 st on every 3rd and 4th row alternately

Should you prefer to work in the round instead of back and forth, you may of course adjust the pattern. You’ll need to add steeks mid-front (usually 5 stitches), and follow the instructions. When you would normally turn and work from the wrong side, simply work across the steek and continue in the round. At the end you’ll cut the piece open, pick up stitches to work bands, and cover the cut edges.

See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open

Should you prefer to work back and forth instead of in the round, you may of course adjust the pattern so you work the pieces separately and then assemble them at the end. Divide the stitches for the body in 2, add 1 edge stitch in each side (for sewing) and work the front and back pieces separately.

See DROPS lesson: Can I adapt a pattern for circular needles into straight needles?

Pattern repeats can vary slightly in the different sizes, in order to get the correct proportions. If you’re not working the exact same size as the garment in the photo, yours might deviate slightly. This has been carefully developed and adjusted so that the complete impression of the garment is the same in all sizes.

Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!

If you have found a pattern you like which is available in women’s size it’s not very difficult to convert it to men’s size. The biggest difference will be the length of sleeves and body. Start working on the women size that you think would fit across the chest. The additional length will be worked right before you cast off for the armhole/sleeve cap. If the pattern is worked top-down you can add the length right after the armhole or before the first decrease on sleeve.

Regarding additional yarn amount, this will depend on how much length you add, but it is better with a skein too many than too few.

All yarns will have excess fibres (from production) that might come off as lint or shedding. Brushed yarns (ie hairier yarns) have more of these loose, excess fibres, causing more shedding.

Shedding also depends on what is worn under or over the garment, and whether this pulls at the yarn fibres. It’s therefore not possible to guarantee that there will be no shedding

Below are some tips on how to get the best result when working with hairier yarns:

1. When the garment is finished (before you wash it) shake it vigorously so the looser hairs come off. NOTE: do NOT use a lint roller, brush or any method that pulls at the yarn.

2. Place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer - the temperature will cause the fibres to become less attached to each other, and excess fibres will come off easier.

3. Leave in the freezer for a few hours before taking it out and shaking it again.

4. Wash the garment according to the instructions on the yarn label.

Pilling is a natural process that happens to even the most exclusive of fibers. It's a natural sign of wear and tear that is hard to avoid, and that is most visible in high friction areas of your garment like a sweater's arms and cuffs.

You can make your garment look as new by removing the pilling, using a fabric comb or a pill/lint remover.

Still can't find the answer you need? Then scroll down and leave your question so one of our experts can try to help you. This will be done normally within 5 to 10 working days.
In the meantime, you can read the questions and answers that others have left to this pattern or join the DROPS Workshop on Facebook to get help from fellow knitters/crocheters!

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Comments / Questions (35)

country flag Seidy wrote:

Hut menar ni att man ska sticka diagrammet A2 och B2 när man stickar fram o tillbaka. Börjar med 388 m och ska sticka 26 rapporter a 14 m + 14 kantmaskor = 378 m Ska jag sticka först A2 och fortsätta med B2 (rapport 10 m) och hur stickar jag de aviga varven ? Tacksam för snabbt och lätt förstående svar

28.01.2024 - 22:45

DROPS Design answered:

Hei Seidy. Vi skal hjelpe deg så godt vi kan, men hvilken str. strikker du og hva mener du med "+ 14 kantmaskor". I oppskriften ser jeg kun 3 kantmasker. Skriv gjerne nøyaktig hvor du er i oppskriften. mvh DROPS Design

05.02.2024 - 12:46

country flag Joëlle SABINE wrote:

Bonjour, pensez-vous que je puisse tricoter le sweater avalanche avec le fil alpaca au lieu de nord. Merci pour votre aide

26.12.2023 - 21:01

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mme Sabine, tout à fait, utilisez notre convertisseur pour connaître la nouvelle quantité correspondante. Bon tricot!

02.01.2024 - 08:35

country flag Camilla Starke wrote:

Enligt mönstret stickas 15 cm + 8 från delning, dvs där ärmen börjar det blir 23 cm för hela bålen, kort. På bilden ser det ut som 15 cm + 8 från där mönstret slutar, kan det vara så det ska vara?

13.10.2023 - 09:16

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Camilla, Hvilken størrelse strikker du? Du finder målene i de forskellige størrelser i måleskitsen nederst i opskriften :)

18.10.2023 - 10:31

country flag Camilla Starke wrote:

Jag kan inte hitta diagram A2?

26.09.2023 - 22:21

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Camilla, diagrammet ligger under diagramtexten nederst i mönstret :)

27.09.2023 - 07:48

country flag Maria Cristina wrote:

Complimenti, il modello è molto bello. È possibile lavorarlo con il vs. filato alpaca ? Forse con tale filato può perdere definizione e compattezza? Grazie Saluti

16.09.2023 - 23:11

DROPS Design answered:

Buonasera Maria Cristina, il filato Nord contiene una parte di merino e una parte di poliammide che gli permettono di mantenere la struttura del capo. Buon lavoro!

17.09.2023 - 22:42

country flag Savita Khurana wrote:

Beautiful design with little lace work, looking elegant and stylish.

07.08.2023 - 02:46

country flag Åsa Abrahamsson wrote:

Stars from heaven

06.08.2023 - 20:19

country flag Marita Løken wrote:

Frost sweater

06.08.2023 - 09:58

country flag Izabela wrote:

Christmas morning

06.08.2023 - 09:27

country flag Renske wrote:

FestiveArt sweater

05.08.2023 - 19:39