Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for photographs and stories of the old poor farms for a Great Falls TV series on the history of Androscoggin County. I would like to talk with people who lived or worked on the farms. Any photographs at all would be wonderful! (I realize that old photos are fragile and precious memories. I can come to you to copy them.) The poor farms were a significant piece of our history and the evolution of our welfare system. We must respect our past in order to appreciate the present and plan for the future. Please, call or e-mail. Thank you. – Tamera Grieshaber, Auburn.

Dear Sun Spots: I would like to know if someone would have the directions for knitting the top of a hand towel. I misplaced mine and would like to make some. – L. Fortin, Lewiston.

Answer:
In addition to responses from readers, Sun Spots located the following directions online at www.knitting-crochet.com/towtop. Materials: 1 skein Lily Sugar and Cream, a worsted weight cotton yarn, packaged in 2.5-ounce skeins. (Makes one dish towel and a dishcloth to match), 1 dish towel cut in half, unless you want a longer towel. Number 6 knitting needles, button, large tapestry needle

Directions: Cut towel in half, fold over ¼-inch twice on cut edge and stitch by hand or machine. With point of knitting needle make holes in towel directly below seam and pick up 67 evenly spaced stitches across towel.

ROW 1, AND ALL ODD NUMBERED ROWS: Purl across ROW 2: Knit across ROW 4: Slip one stitch, knit one stitch, slip the slip stitch over the knit stitch, knit 63, knit 2 stitches together.(65 stitches) ROW 6: Slip one stitch, knit one stitch, slip the slip stitch over the knit stitch, knit 61, knit 2 stitches together.(63 stitches). ROW 8: *Knit 5, knit 2 together repeat from * across (54 stitches) ROW 10: *Knit 4, knit 2 together repeat from * across (45 stitches) ROW 12: *Knit 3, knit 2 together repeat from * across (36 stitches) ROW 14: *Knit 2, knit 2 together repeat from * across (27 stitches) ROW 16: *Knit 1, knit 2 together repeat from * across (18 stitches) ROW 18: *Knit 2 together repeat from * across (9 stitches) ROW 19: Purl ROWS 20-?: Work in ribbing stitch (knit 1, Purl 1) for 3-inches; end working wrong side. NEXT ROW: Knit 1, Purl 1, Knit 1, and bind off 3 stitches, Knit 1, Purl, Knit 1. NEXT ROW: Purl, Knit 1, Purl 1, cast on 3 stitches, Purl 1, Knit 1, Purl 1. (Button Hole made) Work 3 rows in ribbing; end working wrong-side row. NEXT ROW: Knit 2 together, rib 5, Knit 2 together (7 stitches). NEXT ROW: Knit 2 together, rib 3, Knit 2 together (5 stitches). LAST ROW: Knit 2 together, Purl 1, Knit 2 together, bind off remaining 3 stitches.

FINISHING: Work in loose ends. If desired, whip stitch around buttonhole with yarn and large tapestry needle. Sew button in place opposite button-hole.

TO MAKE MATCHING BUTTON (optional) With size G crochet hook, work 25 single crochet around a 1-inch plastic ring, leaving a 10-inch length. Thread tapestry needle with length and weave in and out through top stitches. Pull tightly making a couple of stitches to secure.

Rather than using a bias binding finish you may want to zigzag on your machine and then use an ice pick to make the holes.

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