Ah, March.

The days are getting longer. The snow has melted (though it will probably come back). And while the weather doesn’t feel much warmer, the deals are really heating up.

During a recent visit to Filene’s, I found racks and racks crammed with beautiful winter sweaters and pants on clearance, as well as a summery red- and blue-striped Tommy Hilfiger dress for 60 percent off. As if the clothes weren’t enough, it’s also time for Clinique bonus days, which end Sunday. The seven-piece kit includes a compact, lipsticks, a clear green tote and some creams, and it’s free with a Clinique purchase of $17.50 or more.

The best part of my Filene’s trip involved the shoe department, though, where I found the Nine West boots I’d been coveting for $20. And there were more where those came from. Fabulous.

Speaking of shoe sales, a co-worker recently left Marden’s in Brewer with five new pairs of shoes for $75, including Etienne Aigner sandals, elegant Franco Sarto mules and some great patent-leather loafers. The sale has been going on for a while, but there’s still a variety left in most sizes. Prepare to be somewhat disappointed if you wear an 8 or 81/2, though.

If you’re in the market for high-end accessories, head to T.J. Maxx, where ShopGirl spotted a bevy of Coach bags for well under $100 (tote bags cost more, however). Pastels and navy blue seemed to dominate the selection, and the tan logo bag I wanted was nowhere in sight, but like I need another handbag.

What I do need is a bigger mailbag, for all the letters I received about the last ShopGirl column on knitting. Many readers wrote to share stories, tips and favorite yarn shops. I left out Craft World in Bangor, which has the best selection of Lion Brand yarns that I’ve seen in the area, including dozens of shades of Homespun yarn, Al-Pa-Ka alpaca-blend yarn, and WoolEase. (Visit www.lionbrand.com to order a complimentary catalog full of kits, yarns and free patterns.) Craft World also sells Reynolds Lopi in many colors and weights, and a few fluffy balls of Artful Yarn.

Beth Gardner wrote to say that she recently opened Spin Me A Yarn at 87 Forest Ave. in Orono. She offers free knitting lessons to her customers and she sells Rowan, Classic Elite, Peace Fleece, Bartlett, Green Mountain Spinnery and Heirloom yarns. She teaches during the day, so her shop is open evenings and weekends, and it’s best to call before you visit. Her number is 866-4371.

Keep the letters coming, readers, and until next time, happy shopping.

Reader question

Dear ShopGirl,

When I saw your article Saturday, I read it with interest. It did not, however, address the kinds of items I am looking for, specifically Persian yarns and other yarns used in needlepoint and related items such as needlepoint canvas (plain and-or painted) and items for counted cross-stitch, such as Hardanger cloth, Aida cloth, DMC embroidery floss, Balger blending floss and the like. I know some very basic items are available at Craft World near the mall, but these usually are kit items and not the kind of thing I’m looking for. In your searching through all the yarn shops, did you happen to run across any of these items? A source of good Persian yarn would be worth a lot to me.

– Janet Beaulieu

Dear Janet,

I found a few stores that fit the bill.

Tortoise and Hare Maine Needlepoint in Blue Hill offers Zweigart canvas, Paternayan Persian wool in 418 colors, and printed canvases. You can order through their Web site, www.maineneedlepoint.com, or by calling (888) 688-4544 or 374-5859.

Stitchery Square in Camden sells hand-painted canvases, Zweigart canvas, Paternayan Persian wool, DMC and Anchor embroidery floss, Pearl Cotton and Medici yarn. Check out their Web site at www.stitcherysquare.com or call 236-9773 for more information.

Cityside Yarn Co. in Bangor sells some DMC floss, Medici wool, No. 3 and No. 5 Pearl Cotton and tapestry wool, but they suggested you contact In Stitches in Bucksport, which carries a full selection of cross-stitch and needlepoint supplies. The shop is open Saturday and Sunday only and evenings by appointment. For information, call 469-2334.

This should get you started. If you come across any other needlework shops, please let me know.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you. Send questions, comments and suggestions to: Kristen Andresen, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329 or e-mail kandresen@bangordailynews.net.