Bringing an Antique Problem to Light

Ellin N. Crawford of West Hollywood is looking for silk-covered wiring cord for antique lamps. If silk is not available, rayon or another fabric will do. Does this request, though not a major problem, strike the proper chord, or will Crawford be kept in the dark a while longer before she sees the light?

We have listed reweaving places in Los Angeles and Orange counties, but now Phyllis Irshay of Redlands wants to find someone in her area who does “invisible weaving” ; she needs a wool jacket repaired. Can you help before someone pulls the wool over her eyes, or does Irshay not stand a ghost of a chance?

For a portrait on a brick wall, Lois Simpson of Los Angeles needs a picture lamp that runs on a battery. (Obviously, she is unable to drill through the wall.) Can you be a brick and help Simpson see the light, or will she not get the picture unless she butts her head against a wall?

Lillian G. Smith, 11A Burford Ave., Wallasey, Merseyside L44 3EH, England, would appreciate used postage stamps from any country (no envelopes attached, please). Can you put your stamp of approval on this across-the-sea venture, or will Smith wonder whether anybody gives a lick about improving international relations?

Reader-to-Reader Help Line: Lorraine at (213) 378-2961 needs the instruction booklet for a 1972 Elna Super (SU) stretch sewing machine. Please help so that her friends, instead of needling her, will be left in stitches. . . . Vikki at (213) 274-0622 would like a few pots of the heavy, enameled cast iron Desco Ware that was manufactured in Belgium many years ago. Please help by any Tuesday, so that Vikki won’t wonder whether things have gone completely to pot. . . . Mary at (619) 858-4327 needs to get some Oil of Allspice, which is a necessary ingredient for her favorite Tom & Jerry batter. Her almost-20-year-old bottle is about empty, and no one seems to carry the product anymore. Please help, so that Mary and her family can get an early start on a wild Christmas.

Note: The Reader-to-Reader Help Line is only for one-time items and products no longer available in stores. And you must give us written permission to publish your telephone number, so that others may contact you directly.

Judi Hopkins of Mar Vista, who was carping about not being able to find bright-silver and bright-gold transparent tape for wrapping fishing rods, no longer need rock the boat. Cliff Dektar reports that Scotch Brand 850 transparent polyester tape, manufactured by 3M and available at art stores, might just be what Hopkins is angling for.

We’ve had several requests, the most recent from Jack C. Rubin of Santa Monica, about a place that accepts old eyeglasses. The place to send them to is National Society to Prevent Blindness, 249 E. Emerson, Suite F, Orange, Calif. 92655; their phone number is (714) 974-3937. You can also take the glasses to the Braille Institute, 741 N. Vermont Ave., Hollywood, for forwarding to Orange; ask for the visual aids department.

Shari Plattner of Long Beach, who was looking for an electronic backgammon game, got a lucky roll. Marilyn Lepape of Rancho Palos Verdes says Future Tronics has such a set for about $60; the store nearest to Plattner is in the Del Amo Fashion Center, (213) 214-3428.

Herb Hain cannot answer mail personally but will, space permitting, respond in this column to readers who need--or have--helpful information. Write (do not telephone) to You Can Help!, You section, the Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.