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The Jacquard loom in 19th-century France was arguably the world’s first stored-program computer since it stored weaving patterns on punched cards. Now, the textile business is once again ahead of the game – with the latest knitting machines controlled via the Internet. The Pai Lung Machinery Mill in Taiwan (GB 2372836) is giving knitting machines unique electronic ID codes. When the machine is connected to the Internet via a home PC, its ID can be verified, allowing it to be controlled from a central site anywhere in the world. All logged-on machines can be programmed to knit whatever pattern you like. And networks of knitters who never meet can beaver away in harmony or get remote help with any problems that develop.