Dear Sun Spots: I am often amazed at Sun Spots’ ability to find answers to tough or obscure questions. Would you give two of mine a try?

Several months ago, a new entrance to the Maine Turnpike was opened in Sabattus. Why is there no signage on Route 126 in Sabattus indicating the direction to that new feature? It seems to me that one is encouraged to get off the turnpike in Sabattus, but not get on.

The second question for the Maine Department of Transportation is why are street and road potholes deeper and more numerous than ever before? New materials? Different repair methods? Thanks. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: Sun Spots spoke with DOT communications director Herb Thompson who says this has been a bad year statewide for potholes. Sun Spots also spoke with DOT regarding your question on turnpike signage for Sabattus Exit 84. DOT says it has put up signs on routes 126 (in Sabattus) and 196 (in Lisbon) in the last few weeks, alerting drivers to the turnpike entrance.

Dear Sun Spots: I have some old canning jars that are free for the taking. I also have many National Geographic magazines I’d like to give away. Please call me at (207) 364-3304. – Sandy Nisbet, Rumford.

Dear Sun Spots: I am writing to say thank you for printing my inquiry asking for yarn so that I could crochet mittens for the schoolchildren for winter!

I would also like to thank the kind lady who saw it and donated two bags of beautiful yarn. I have already started to make mittens with the yarn and would appreciate more yarn from anyone. The schools I crochet for deeply appreciate the mittens, and I would be more than willing to crochet for other schools. Thank you, again, and please call me if you can help. I can be reached via e-mail at [email protected] or phone at (207) 666-8380. – No Name, No Town.

Dear Sun Spots: I always seem to have a little bit of yarn left over from projects and would like to use it to make the newborn caps that you have had in your column, but I don’t knit. Would you happen to know of a crochet pattern? – Laurie, Dixfield.

Answer: Perhaps you and other crocheters will enjoy making the following Stretchy Crocheted Hat. What you will need: Size H or I Hook, SOFT worsted weight yarn, SOFT baby yarn, SOFT baby sport weight yarn, fingering yarn (use size G hook).

Directions: Chain 36 (chain 40 if using a baby yarn, or see below for other sizes).

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (35 sc).

Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first st, skip next st, *(dc, ch 1, dc) all in next st, skip next st, sc in next st, skip next st, repeat from * to end of row, ending with (dc, ch 1, dc) in last st. This row should measure approximately 7½ – 8½ inches for full-term newborn size (adjust your hook size or number of beginning chains if necessary).

Row 3: Ch 1, turn. *sc in first ch 1 st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next sc st, repeat from * across (use back loops only except for the 3 stitch groups on each end). Repeat row 3 for 34 more rows or until piece measures approx. 10 to 10½ inches for full-term newborn size. Fasten off. Piece should measure approximately 7½ to 8½ by 10 to 10½ inches for full-term newborn (length should stretch to reach 15-16 inches, or you will need to add more rows).

Join last row with beginning chain by stitching with yarn (in other words, join the two short sides of the rectangle). Gather one end for top of hat. Weave in all ends. Add a small pompom or flower motif on top if desired.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to [email protected].