DEAR SUN SPOTS: As the production and creative arts manager at the Franco Center, I’m in the process of gathering resources for a Broadway-themed show for Sept. 6 and 7.

I’m seeking a costumer and a musical director. The costumer should have access to costumes that can be used in the production. The musical director will help match our singers to tracks. These are volunteer positions for a fundraiser celebrating the Franco Center’s 25^th anniversary, with rehearsals starting at the beginning of August.

I can be reached at 514-7753 or production@francocenter.org. The Franco Center appreciates all that Sun Spots does for the community. – Jake, no town

ANSWER: And we appreciate all that the team at the Franco Center does, too, Jake. The production sounds very exciting and I hope the perfect people come together to make it all a success. Let me know what I can do to help further, and please keep us all posted on the progress of this event.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for a seamstress in the Auburn area who can work on very fancy costumes for Santa and Mrs. Claus. — Stephen, no town

ANSWER: I’m so intrigued and want to know more! Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus need fancy costumes and I do hope glitter and sequins are involved. I’ll answer your question then hopefully, you’ll spill the tea and give us all more details in the near future.

I’m not sure if you need costumes made from scratch or if you need alterations only but here are all the seamstresses I have in the Rolodex: The Mill End Store at 971 Main St. in Oxford (539-4451); Karen Read at Make It Sew in Bowdoinham (makeitsewmaine@gmail.com, 449-5606), Sue Roebuck at Mom the Mender on Upper Street in Turner (754-6558); LA Clean & Spin/John’s Clean & Spin (782-3466 in Auburn or 784-9096 in Lewiston); Dona at If You Say Sew in Durham (https://if-you-say-sew.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral, (653-5507);  Veronica’s Creations in Greene (514-6820); and Lolita Alters in Auburn (https://lolitaalters.com/, info@lolitaalters.com, (405-3750).

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Last year around Earth Day, you published an item about recycling textiles. You mentioned a company that takes all textiles no matter what the condition. Can you print that information again, please? — Danielle, Lewiston

ANSWER: The organization is Retold Recycling. (https://www.retoldrecycling.com/) They will take anything as long as it’s clean — even unmatched socks and stretched out underwear — stains and tears don’t matter. You request biodegradable bags and simply fill them up and send them back. This company was featured on “Shark Tank.” Not a thing they collect goes to a landfill and you have the opportunity to  earn rewards from one of their eco-friendly partners as you donate.

Readers, please share your ideas to keep textiles and all items out of landfills. I go back to memories of my grandmother who mended and patched, hemmed, and altered, made woven rugs, quilts, and salvaged buttons and zippers from worn clothing items. Weaving a basket or making fabric collages are other ideas.

Many textile artists, crafters, teachers and seamstresses often are looking for cloth articles to repurpose. Items can be completely remade, cutting away any ripped or stained areas. I have seen some simple items, including cute reusable shopping bags made from old T-shirts.

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 emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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