A Stitch in Time Can Save Embroiderer

M. Balcom of Carlsbad needs metal embroidery hoops , preferably with a 10-inch or 12-inch diameter, but also smaller sizes. Can you help keep Balcom in stitches for a while longer, or will all this hoop-la only cause her to run around in circles?

Sonia Eston of Tarzana would like to find someone who can repair a snow globe ; she needs new glass, fluid and snow. Can you help without bleeding Eston white, or will she wonder whether someone is having a ball while giving her a snow job?

Mrs. Glen Allen of Sierra Madre is looking for the glass floor protectors that are put under the legs of armchairs and other furniture. Can you help with this chair-ity case, or will it be crystal-clear to Allen that she might as well let the matter slide?

Harold Rodgers of Reseda is in the market for some Buisman’s Coffee Extender , a product imported from Holland. Can you help prevent a brouhaha at Rodgers’ home, or will he be getting a taste of his own medicine for having caused such a stir?

Jo Frost of Highland Park, who has been looking for men’s terry cloth sports shirts with one pocket and slitted sides , has now been joined in her search by L. Hoag of North Hollywood. How much longer are these readers supposed to keep their shirts on? Sources, please.

To the list of readers who are anxious to dispose of china, you may add the name of Joe Lebeau, (213) 398-0708 (call before 9 a.m. or after 8 p.m.). He has a complete set for 10, with some serving pieces, of Noritake in the 108 Namiki pattern.

For Dorothy Witmeyer, who wanted to remove glue from an heirloom apron, we have some hints. A Van Nuys reader suggests soaking the affected parts in fingernail polish remover; the method worked in removing glue from a wedding veil, according to our source. And William Carnahan of San Pedro says to look in a book entitled “How to Clean Everything,” published by Fireside Books/Simon & Schuster in 1952 and updated in 1971. (Carnahan adds that if the book is not obtainable, he will Xerox the pertinent pages and forward them.)

Jean Cinader of Los Angeles and Betty Frinier of Downey, both of whom were looking for a dish-washing gadget (with soap container) that attaches to the kitchen sink, should soon be able to come clean. Leila Breeze of Camarillo says she has been buying such a product, called the My-Maid Dishwasher, from G&B; Mfg., 7846 Alabama Ave., Canoga Park 91304, (818) 888-3098; she has also been able to obtain parts from that company. And Frieda Sims of Montrose states that the Dishmaster that she is using can be bought at most hardware stores and chains for about $60.

For Janice Bolitho of Whittier, who wanted someone in her area to initial a sterling-silver service and replace stainless-steel knife blades, we have a number of people only too willing to be of service. Anne M. Runge recommends Louis C. Alegre, 1324 S. Magnolia Ave., Anaheim, (714) 995-2395, who she says has done similar work for her in the past. Vince Aylward of Light Images, 464 Greensboro, Claremont, (714) 626-2358, says he can do the initialing; he also says Bolitho might wish to contact Mike (“The Engraver”) Doyle, who is located next to Crandall Jewelers at the Puente Hills Mall in the City of Industry, about both the initialing and blade replacing; Doyle’s phone number is (818) 912-2736.

A San Diego reader says to contact J. Herbert Hall, 725 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (818) 796-0223. Unfortunately, what sounds like the best source for Bolitho is some distance away. Sandra Beaver of Beaver’s Den Antiques, who specializes in silver pattern matching, says she can hand-engrave sterling for about $60 a dozen and replace steel blades for about $7-$10. Beaver’s address is 19505 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana, and her phone number is (818) 881-0690. And Suzanne Snyder says that, when she needed replacements for her pitted stainless blades, Bullock’s put her in touch with Alvin, the manufacturer, and she received excellent service at no charge. (However, Alvin may not provide this service for other makes.)