Dear Sun Spots: Calling all knitters, crocheters and Sun Spots column readers! We need your help.

We are greatly in need of 4-ply yarn of all colors and in good condition to continue making hats, mittens, baby things, lap robes and other warm objects, which in turn are given to the needy of all ages in Androscoggin County. Won’t you please help? Perhaps you have some unused yarn that would love to find a home with our crafters and the needy. We would be very happy to pick it up.

For those who may not be aware, Catholic Charities Maine, located at 15 Westminster St. in Lewiston, has a great program called SEARCH (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage and Hope) where wonderful volunteers are assigned to elderly people who enjoy their reassurance calls or home visits. SEARCH also benefits from the work of about 30 volunteers who knit and crochet. The yarn is donated to SEARCH and given to the knitters as needed.

For more information, please call the office at (207) 784-0157 and ask for SEARCH. We are open every weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join us in the joy of giving and making someone happy and warm. With our deepest gratitude. – Phoebe Lowell, SEARCH program manager, Lewiston.

Dear Sun Spots: You have helped me before, and I hope you can again.

I have some articles of glass that someone has painted flowers on. I would like to remove them. What can I use to do so? I’m guessing it’s enamel or craft paint. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you for a great column. – No Name, No Town.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, first of all have you tried to peel the paint off? Another option is to steep the glasses in warm water for a while then try to peel the paint off. Other readers may be willing to share some of their tips with you also.

Dear Sun Spots: We are looking for someone or for a service club to take about 20 dolls, make clothes for them, fix up hair, wash and dress them to give away to children. Now is the time to get started before Christmas is near. We will share them between several groups if you do not want the whole kit and caboodle. Please contact me at (207) 524-5701 any time after 7 a.m. and before 9:30 p.m. Thanks very much! — Jane in Leeds

Dear Sun Spots: I’m looking for craft shows in the Lewiston area. I heard there is one at the Multi-Purpose Center. Any information is much appreciated. – Mary S., Thomaston.

Answer: Check out the Tuesday, Oct. 11, Sun Spots column, which includes a listing of several upcoming craft fairs. Sun Spots will also add those inquiries that include table rentals in this column and forward your item to our craft fair listing. In the meantime, contact the Lewiston Senior Citizens at (207) 784-2926, ext. 207. Their upcoming craft fair will be Nov. 3 and Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, at the Seniors Activities Room at the Multi-Purpose Center, 145 Birch St. Tables are available to rent for $10. Last year’s items included knit and crocheted items, stained glass, jewelry, a white elephant table and the seniors cafe. Please come support your Lewiston seniors.

In addition, you might like to check out the Longley School craft fair being held Sat. Oct. 22 in the Multi-Purpose Center gym from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tables are still available at $30 for an 8-foot table. Please call Kathleen Saucier at (207) 786-2181.

Dear Sun Spots: My mother embroidered a wonderful peacock some 50 years ago on some linen and framed it. I’ve hand-washed the piece carefully, but would like to find out the best way to have this mounted and preserved for my child and her children. The linen is somewhat water-stained and has been in the same frame these 50 years, and likely needs some professional cleaning of some kind. Perhaps some of your readers may have some ideas on how to best preserve this? – No Name, No Town.

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].