DEAR SUN SPOTS: Every year you suggest Christmas-themed books. I’ve been watching for your recommendations this year and hope you still will do it. I’ve read every one you’ve suggested and am so glad you do this. — Eva, no town
ANSWER: Thanks for reminding me. Let’s get right to that! There’s nothing like a cozy Christmas read to get you through these long, dark evenings. Just don’t stay up too late — you need your rest.
On my list this year, I have all the books by Richard Paul Evans, the “Winter Street” series by Elin Hilderbrand, “Winter Solstice” by Rosamund Pilcher, “A Redbird Christmas” by Fannie Flagg, “Mr. Dickens and His Carol” by Samatha Silva, the “Nantucket Christmas” series by Nancy Thayer, “The Twelve Dogs of Christmas” by Susan Wiggs, “Comfort and Joy” by Kristin Hannah, “Skipping Christmas” by John Grisham, “Christmas Bells” by Jennifer Chiaverini, “Bright Lights, Big City” by Mary Kay Andrews, “Five Gold Rings” by Kristen Bailey, and “Christmas Bookstore” by Jenny Colgan.
So many books, so little time! Enjoy all of these, and readers if you have favorites not mentioned here, please chime in. Remember, it doesn’t have to be Christmas to read a Christmas story or 10. If you need ideas, ask your librarian!
DEAR SUN SPOTS: North Waterford Congregational Church will hold a Christmas Eve Service at 5 p.m. Dec. 24. There will be no morning service that day or Dec. 31. For more information, call me at 583-2822.— Milly, North Waterford
ANSWER: That’s important for folks to know, especially those who visit at Christmas. The church is at 15 Irving Green Road off Route 35 in Waterford.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for someone who can put a new zipper in a medium-weight jacket. Thanks for all the help you provide. — Sandra, Auburn
ANSWER: In the Rolodex, I have 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 and Veronica’s Creations in Greene (514-6820).
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for an old knit or crochet pattern for a sunflower beanie hat that my grandmother used to make. It was similar to a beret, and from behind it looked like the wearer had a sunflower on the back of their head. Please contact me at 375-8253 if you have this pattern. — Deb, no town
ANSWER: I hope someone gets in touch with us and let’s us know they have a pattern for you.
I did find something you may be interested in here: https://www.lionbrand.com/products/sunflower-beret-pattern-knit. It’s a knit pattern from Lion Brand Yarn and costs about $21 for the physical pattern or you can download it on your computer for free.
I also found a “tam” crocheted hat pattern on Etsy (https://www.etsy.com/listing/1251966851/crochet-sunflower-tam-hat-pattern-simple) for about $5.
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