DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for someone with a heavy-duty sewing machine who can put a new lining in a leather motorcycle jacket. I am willing to deliver, pickup and pay a reasonable price for the service. I sew, but have never worked with leather. I can be reached at 786-2574 or leave a message. Thanks in advance. — No Name, Minot

ANSWER: All of the shoe repair shops to which Sun Spots regularly refers customers said they do jacket repair, but their levels of expertise and willingness to undertake difficult jobs varied. For example, Morin said it doesn’t do zippers.

The gentleman at Midcoast also referred Sun Spots to a business that specializes in leather jacket linings. It is European Touch, 8 Rocky Ave., Topsham, 721-9160.

The other four shoe repair shops are:

— Midcoast Shoe Repair, 14 Maine St., Brunswick 725-8557, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

— Morin Shoe Store, 171 Main St., Berlin NH., 603-752-4810

— Paul’s Shoe Shop at 22 Cumberland St., Westbrook, ME 04092, e-mail cobblerinacan@yahoo.com, 854-4338, will provide service by mail. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

— Tom Finn Shoe Repair, 165 Water St., Augusta, 623-8491, open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Finn says he repairs anything leather, as well as shoes.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Is there anyone in the Lewiston or Brunswick area who can recondition/repair an old suede coat? Is has a tear in the suede at one of the coat pockets, otherwise is in good condition and just needs some TLC (professional, I think). Any suggestions would help. Thank you. — Matthew, chbaltster@gmail.com

ANSWER: Only one of the shops listed for the previous question said they would even consider tackling reconditioning suede, and that would depend on what it needed. Check with Midcoast Shoe Repair to see if they can help. Also, Paul’s said he would take your jacket, but that he sends suede reconditioning to Canada.

Sun Spots called a few Laundromats to find out if they cleaned suede. All said they take the suede but then send it out to either Canada or Massachusetts. At one place, the person on the phone said that it has to do with the chemicals used in the suede cleaning process not being available in Maine. She said if the cleaning is done incorrectly, the oils will be removed from your jacket’s leather, and it will be dry and may crack.

One online tip suggested using a balled-up pair of pantyhose to brush the suede and restore the nap, which seems safe enough for light cleaning. Another suggested purchasing a dry-cleaning kit and tackling the job yourself. But from what Sun Spots read, it seems like a risky business. Brushing too hard can leave shiny spots, and the use of any water is strictly forbidden.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am looking for a product or company that can re-stain a leather couch cushion. For some reason, the stain has come out on one of the cushions so it is lighter than the rest of the couch. The rest of the couch is fine and in good shape. Thanks. — Linda B., Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots made many, many calls on this question, but didn’t have very good results. None of the leather handlers Sun Spots spoke to said they would tackle dyeing leather. Apparently it is very tricky and can leave blotches. Also, some leathers have been treated so that they repel rather than absorb the stain.

There are directions on the Internet as to how to tackle this job. Try visiting http://tinyurl.com/25wdcuw for an overview. It suggests you can test your leather with a drop of water. If it repels, it’s treated. If it soaks in, it’s not.

If you want to attempt the job yourself at home, you can buy a dye kit. Locally, you can buy supplies at Maine Line Leather, 35 Beech St., Lewiston, 782-6622 or 877-782-6820, www.mainelineleather.com. There are other options available online as well.

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). Please include your phone number. 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 e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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