DEAR SUN SPOTS: I hope you can help me. I’m looking for a crocheted afghan pattern where the diamond-shaped “squares” are put together to make a large star. My daughter-in-law bought 17 of these squares crocheted with multi-colored 4-ply yarn at a yard sale, but there was no pattern with the pieces. I’m assuming it’s an older pattern and we’ve found a photo on Google. I’m hoping someone out there has the pattern I’m looking for. I would be willing to buy the pattern and pay the postage. I would really like to finish this project. Call me at 207-795-6158.
— Frances, Lewiston
ANSWER: I did my own Google search and found both the Prairie Star and the Desert Star patterns on ravelry.com. Crocheted diamond shapes are joined together to make a big starburst in the middle of the afghan. You can download a free pattern for the Desert Star afghan from http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/desert-star-throw and https://thecrochetspace.com/blue-star-crocheted-afghan/.
Readers, if you have a pattern for a starburst afghan, please contact Frances!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: You hit some great highlights of Maine books in the Aug. 3 Sun Spots. I’d like to add that Mary Ellen Chase has several books based on the early pioneer and shipping days of Downeast Maine and don’t forget Kenneth Roberts’ “Arundel.”
— Claire, no town
ANSWER: Great recommendations, Claire! Mary Ellen Chase, a native of Blue Hill, is regarded as one of the most important regional literary figures of the early 20th century. “Windswept” is a must-read!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: For the person looking for books about Maine, author Barbara Ross of Boothbay has a wonderful Cozy Mystery series set in the fictional town of Busman’s Harbor, Maine, that is fun reading. The first book in the series is “Clammed Up,” and anyone who has ever gone for the boat ride and lobster bake on Cabbage Island will recognize the fictional Morrow Island business described in this book as very much like those Cabbage Island adventures. There are six books in the series with the seventh due out in December.
The local book club hosted by the Woman’s Literary Union of Auburn chose the first book in the series as one of their monthly choices to read last fall. Those who enjoyed the book went on to read the rest of the series. The author sent us a signed copy of her latest book and we held a drawing and gave the book to the winner. I mention this because our book club, known as Wine and Words, is on summer break, but starts again the second Tuesday in September.
There’s a webpage for the Woman’s Literary Union with a link about the book club, as well as an email address to ask more questions. Anyone is welcome to come to a meeting as long as they are 21 years of age and older. The cost per meeting is $5 per person for non-WLU members and is free to WLU members.
The book for September will be voted on soon. A list with choices will be posted on the Wine and Words Facebook page. There are several Facebook pages with the same name; look for the one with the purple flowers on the open book. The meetings are held at the Horatio Foss Mansion at 19 Elm St. in Auburn.
— Cheryl, Auburn
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