The Internet and I

have a real love hate relationship. But at the moment its mainly the latter. Shortly before christmas my lovely Mac was moved from its temporary home on the table into the front room, which is to be my study/library/workroom. Now we've had problems with internet access in there previously when I had my old laptop and thought the problem was the computer, but since my Mac got moved I have barely been able to get on the internet. Its temporarily reconnected now and again for a few minutes at a time and then gone off again. I became convinced it wasn't the computer at fault. We read that wireless telephones can cause problems so we unplugged the phone in that room but still no good. Unplugged the computer, carried it into the kitchen and put it back on the table and the internet immediately came back on.

I have no idea what it is about that room. But it has to be resolved as I have nowhere else to go. I, once again, am not connected to my printer or my scanner as they are in 'my' room and I really don't want us eating our dinner around the Mac on a regular basis.

Has anyone else experienced problems like this? And if so, how was it resolved?

Unfortunately, Paris has had to be postponed until February but to make up for it we're going to go for a week which will be lovely.

I also had lovely posts and treats planned for christmas and new year, which didn't happen, so they'll just have to be January pick me ups once I get everything connected again.

I have however, been busy knitting, sewing, reading and cooking and will have lots to show in the next few weeks. Like many other people I managed to get to John Lewis and got some bargains. Two lots of Rowan 4 ply soft - both for A Stitch in Time projects, a pack of Rowan Wool Cotton - undecided what this is for, and not in the sale, 8 balls of Rowan Pure Organic Cotton to make this one from A Stitch in Time



Its called Made So Quickly, and does knit up really quickly. I've gone for the same soft peachy/salmon colour as the original as I really really like it.



I particularly like the way the front is knitted in one piece but divided to give that cardigan feel.

On New Year's Day I treated myself to a good long read of one of my favourite books "I Capture the Castle" by Dodie Smith.



Seen through the eyes of 17 year old Cassandra, life at the remote castle and the changes that take place in a few months are exquisitely described. Each character is developed fully and the story engrosses you completely. But most of all, I love the 'everydayness' that is described. Doing the washing and ironing, accidentally burning the porridge whilst arguing. Its so natural and real and helps evoke perfectly the atmosphere of 1930s rural britain. You feel yourself transported back in time and long to be a part of their life. I can't recommend it enough.

Whilst at John Lewis I bought two Vintage Vogue patterns.I have been looking and looking for about two years for the perfect camel coat and finally found this pattern from the 1950s which is exactly what I have been looking for



and also this gorgeous suit from 1944 which I just couldn't resist



and which will go so well with my vintage knits. I certainly won't be wearing the fur wrap but maybe the little hat?

for now

Ruby xxx