DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thirty or so years ago, I started a needlecraft kit by Paragon called “Forest Reborn.” It was started as a relaxing thing to do. Now I’m in my 80s and working on it again.

There is a problem: Parts of the instructions are missing. I can use the color picture of it to be my guide, but I’d rather be more precise. Does anyone out there know where I can get a kit or at least the instructions?

I tried the Internet and stores, but crewel stitching seems to have lost its appeal. The kit number is 0310. — No Name, Rumford

ANSWER: Sun Spots found two kits that sold online this year, one in January on Etsy.com, the other on eBay in September, but no other information. Readers?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Years ago, my grandmother knit Christmas stockings for everyone in the family. As the family has grown and she is no longer able to knit, the patterns have been lost.

I believe they were a Mary Maxim design, primarily red, one has a Christmas tree, one a snowman, one has a moon with a Santa’s sleigh and one a Santa face.

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If anyone has these patterns and is willing to share, I would be happy to pay for a copy. Thanks. — Karen Connor, karenaconnor@hotmail.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I just read in the paper about the “American Pickers” in Maine. Could you please give us the mailing address of Mario Binette? Thank you. — No Name, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots, who doesn’t watch TV, had never heard of “American Pickers” and figured they were a string musical group. Instead, she discovered it’s a reality show about scavenging antiques and other goodies.

As for Mario Binnete, the Portland Press Herald did a story about his being on the show (Sept. 26). Binette’s business, Champion Auto in Arundel, was visited by the show’s hosts. They wanted to check out his supply of old motorcycle and bicycle parts.

Sun Spots found the contact information you desire at www.championautomaine.com: Champion Auto Sales Inc., 1621 Portland Road (Route 1), Arundel, ME 04046, 985-2292, championauto@roadrunner.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: To answer “No Name via email” on Oct. 1, we live near Old Orchard Beach Pizza and by talking to the tenants on the second floor learned OOB Pizza is closed.

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According to them, since a vehicle crashed through the building last year the owner could not recoup his money from the insurance. He also lost a lot of customers because of it.

I hope someday they reopen. My wife and I used to go often. They had great food and service. — G. Rousseau, Lewiston

DEAR SUN SPOTS: People are complaining about the high price of TimeWarner Cable TV (Sept. 22).

I disagree. It is a lot of work and pricey for all they do. No matter how hot or cold out, in rain or snow, the workers are out there to help if any problems.

I have two TVs. We can stay home and see the whole world in the comfort of our living or bedrooms. It is a whole lot cheaper than going to the theater of ball park.

I think the price is reasonable compared to going out in bad weather and so much cheaper. — Jeanne, L-A

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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