DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response to Wilma Turcotte, Craft-Mania on Center Street in Auburn has several pattern books for crochet doilies. We also carry the crochet thread in many different sizes and colors as well as the crochet hooks. — Lee via e-mail

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I saw Wilma’s inquiry for crocheted doily books in Sun Spots the other day. Sun Spots has helped me out (actually twice now), so I thought I’d pass on some information Wilma will enjoy and find helpful in her quest for access to crocheted doily pattern books.

There’s a Web site called Annie’s Attic (www.anniesattic.com/crochet), which has 22 pattern books for sale. Some are reasonable, some seem a bit high, but there are some vintage patterns among them and some outstanding pattern designs. One day a week I believe they still offer a free pattern of some sort (not necessarily crochet) to those who are members. Signing up is free.

So far I’ve been pleased with the ideas I’ve found on their site. Some of the patterns you download directly, others you have to send for. I’ve gone the download route a couple of times and been completely satisfied, and the nice thing — no waiting!

I also believe I can put my hands on the doily patterns (they had dozens) my grandmother, aunt and mother used when they crocheted. These are very old, but I would be happy to scan and share them with you via e-mail if I can locate them.

I love to crochet, but am currently into boiled wool eyeglass cases, which I then do my own beading designs on. Time-consuming and only fairly reasonable cost wise, but loads of fun, and they make great gifts.

If Wilma lets me know any particular patterns (shapes/designs) she’s looking for, I’ll see what I can come up with IF I can find them. — Martha B., meadowhawk@fairpoint.net

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I would like to pass on to Wilma Turcotte and any others who may have had trouble finding crochet books, that Log Cabin Craftworks at 31 Main St. on Route 2 at the traffic light in Dixfield has a large selection, which includes several doily books.

We also carry large selections of books for knitting and counted cross stitch as well as the supplies for all of those needle arts. Many have expressed difficulty in finding plastic canvas books which we also carry. — Norine Clarke, owner, Log Cabin Craftworks

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The residents at the Maine Veterans’ Home will be working on a vegetable garden. They are looking for old ski poles and tomato trellises for some of their garden needs. The ski poles do not need to be in excellent condition. Please contact us if you have any garden tools you may wish to donate to our veterans’ garden. — Pat Paar and Norm Dock, ppaar@maineveteranshomes.org, 743-6300, ext. 3526

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Greenwood Studio Group is looking for a variety of craftspeople interested in marketing their art on the Web. This group has been organized to help Maine artists introduce their art to potential buyers using the Internet. If you are an artist and are interested in marketing your art, please call me at 782-5118 for more information. Thank you. — Anita Poulin, AP Graphics & Fine Arts

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In response for a request about Native American genealogy, a Web site run locally by Nancy LeCompte is a good source of Native American information. She lives in Lewiston and is always happy to help. I expect you will have many other replies but just in case, here it is: www.nedoba.org. — Marilyn via e-mail

DEAR SUN SPOTS: My daughter is getting married this October, and we are looking for 15 to 20 old mason jars in good condition to purchase for centerpieces. We love old colored ones if they are available but are interested in any in good condition at a reasonable price. Please contact me at cparadif@roadrunner.com or leave a message at 224-8436. Thanks. — Cyndy, Turner

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