Friday 14 November 2008

Post 200

Well, this is my 200th post - a red letter day. Thanks for sticking with me. I'm still really enjoying it, although I haven't posted as often as I should lately. It's been such a roller coaster, what with Julia and the books. Workshop on the Web is now put to bed and we have the funniest article on a day in the life of Art Van Go. Still lots of the usual workshop articles but this one is a bonus.


I understand that a 'giveaway' is in order so if you would like this small embroidery, from my Shrine doors series, leave a message on this blog. I'll be drawing it on Wednesday, so that gives a few days. The textile is nine inches by seven inches and is mostly paper, metal and stitch. Reminds me of a book I once wrote!









One of the articles in WoW is on using stuff built in to your sewing machine, in particular, what you can do with embroidery machine motifs. Since I've had this Vista laptop, I haven't been able to use any of my digitising programs and I decided that it was time to remedy this. So I upgraded my Bernina Artista software and installed it, together with the patch for Vista. To my surprise it worked really well, first time. Hooray!

I had to take the laptop to the machine, which is a pain, so I've ordered a Bernina memory stick which can be read by the sewing machine - so much easier.

I tested it by placing some letters on a page in Paint Shop Pro. Used the Jokerman font, which is a bit recognisable but probably not when I've finished with it! I am making an installation, titled ebooks, for Cyber Fyber so I used lots of eeeees.



This was then brought into the digitising software and converted using the automatic feature.

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Stitching it out on water-soluble was not easy - due to the furry paws of the helper. He had to be removed from the scene.








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Finally it was finished - the ultimate test, using metallic thread on water-soluble film. No problem! I'll dissolve it later today and show you the result.
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.Don't forget to leave a comment for a Shrine Door.

106 comments:

The WestCountryBuddha said...

Ooo how lovely. Yes please Maggie I'd love to be included and thank you!

Viv Estill said...

Hi Maggie
What a great piece and congrats on the 200th post!
Please count me in on the draw
Viv (Estill)

Kate said...

Congratulations on your 200th blog! Yours is the one blog I check every day. Smudge and Stevens always make me laugh. How is Stevens? I hope she's feeling a lot better.
I marvel at the breadth of work you produce, all rather stunning. Always inspiring.
Please put my name in the hat for the scrummy shrine, it looks lovely.
Thank you, Kate.

Jenn said...

Hi Maggie - long time no see but I do keep up with your blog. Please include me on the draw :) thanks Jenny Y

chrissythreads said...

Congrtas.on your 2ooth blog. Looking forward to the next 200. Would love to be included in the draw.
Chrissy
ps. love your furry pawed helper, mine are too busy sleeping on the work at the mo to help.

Clare Wassermann said...

Hi Maggie - inspirational as ever. Hopefully not too inspirational though because I can't rush out and buy the software and embroidery attachment for my new Bernina or else there would be a divorce! xx

Aussie Jo said...

Well done on 200 posts, that's a great achievement. It seems like only yesterday when I read your first post.
I'd love your Paper, metal, stitch piece. I've almost had that book on permanent loan from the library!
Cheers

Sue Krekorian said...

Thank you, Maggie, for 200 doses of virtual delight and inspiration: I hope there will be very many more!

textile-alchemist said...

200 posts, wow ! And look at Smudge he may have fury paws but look at that tail....it was amusing seeing him in the sink.
Here's to many many more blogs

Wil said...

Congratulations with your 200th post! Hope you continue posting for a very long time :-)

Vicki W said...

Congratulations on your 200th post - I look forward to every one of them!

gilby said...

Hi Maggie,
Congratulations on your 200th post.
Smudge is becoming avery handsome cat.

Shirley Anne Sherris said...

Count me in Maggie. It is a lovely piece and I would love to own any sample of yours.
Cheers
Shirley

Sandy said...

Having one of your pieces would be the ultimate. It's nice that Vista is working for you.

Genie said...

Congrats on your 200th post.
Please incluede me in
Love the online class and loking forward to the new WOW.

Diana said...

As usual, your work and blog are inspirational, Maggie. Hope you can squeeze in a bit of R&R sometime as well as all this hard work...
Your shrine is beautiful, would love to be in the draw.

SimpleEndeavors said...

Congrats on the 200th post. I seem to have fallen off my blogging wagon. Fall is such a whirlwind time for me. I would love to be included in your giveaway. Your work is so inspiring.
Deanna

Unknown said...

Congrats Maggie. It's such fun when you hit these blogging milestones. As you know I love your blog! As I have all your books a pieces of your work would complete the current set so please count me in for the draw. Here's to the next 200 !
Anna

Pat said...

I came over to say thank you for your kind comment and found a party going on!!! Congratulations, it was a good day when you decided to start your blog. Looking forward to the next WOW sounds fun.

Mariel said...

it is a work of art. I would love to participate in the draw.
I am a subscriber to your blog news in bloglines, congratulation on the first 200!

jude said...

Please add me to the draw. I have been off sick for a whole week and am in dire need of inspiration/cheering up/a nice pressie.
Haven't forgotten 'your' sample as flashed briefly at Ally Pally - a follow up is planned for early this new year as Mr Cheeky (the thug in a fur coat)chewed the stars off of the last one. Cats, eh?

Christine said...

Please Maggie, don't ever stop blogging - I learn so much with every new entry. To quote a certain reality show host - You're my favourite!
Seems rather a cheek that my first ever comment is a request to be in the draw but I'm going to ask anyway.
Back to happy plowtering with the gesso book - I'm way behind everybody else, but having a lot of fun.
Thanks for all your wonderful teaching!
Christine

Heather said...

Congratulations on your double century! I would love my name to go in for the draw for the Shrine Door piece - it is lovely. Smudge should have a machine of his own with perhaps a nose guard in case he gets too close to the needle!

Guzzisue said...

congrats on 200 posts !!!( don't let smudge lick the water sol film would hate to see him incorporated into a work of art)
look forward to reading many more- please count me in the draw :-)

Cheryl Gebhart said...

Congrats on 200 posts - and yes, I'd love to be included!

vintagerockchick said...

Congratulations of reaching 200 Maggie! And thanks for the kind comments on the article - I can't wait to see myself in print!

Michala Gyetvai (Kayla coo) said...

Hello beautiful embroidery and I too would love to be included in your draw.x

pascale putz said...

Hello Maggie,

It's always a great pleasure to read your blog, so inspirational. Please include me on the draw.

jill said...

I love my daily read, you always make me smile & there are so many useful tips too. Looking forward to the next 200.

pascale putz said...

Hello Maggie,

it's always a great pleasure to read your blog and so inspirational. Please Put me on the draw.

Threadspider said...

Congratulations on your 200th. I joined you around 170, so I have plenty of back issues to catch up with! Looking forward to doing so and staying current from now on.

Maxine said...

I've just recently purchased your Textile Translations, and have you Paper Metal Stitch (as well as others). Thanks for the inspiration. I'd love to be included in the draw for this spectacular piece.

Maxine

Doreen G said...

Congrats Maggie on your 200th post it only seems like yesterday when you took the plunge.
I would love to be entered into the draw.

bitchinatstitchin said...

congrats on 200th post- how do you find the time?

lol ah the joys of technology
It is almost an addiction in my house nowadays what with a WLAN and several laptops scattered around the place but I havent been brave enough to go completely electronic with my machines because I reckon I might get lost within the maze of technology and play rather than work ;-)

thanks for the inspiration

Sharne Gregory said...

Congratulations on your 200th post. I check out your blog every day, it's so inspiring! I am enjoying your on-line classes, though not getting much done at the moment. Plaese include me in your draw.

Emmy said...

congrats and thanks for all the wonderful post,s keep it up hope to see much more

Julie said...

Congratulations on 200 posts Maggie. What a great journey! Yes, please include me in your draw. Cats always like to see what's going on don't they?

Lorraine said...

200 already, Maggie! Congratulations and keep on posting. East post is a wonderful treat. What a great piece. I'd love to give it a home on this side of the pond.

bookwraps by suz.com said...

I jsut received your new book "textile translations"...
oh wow! I just can hardly wait to get into it...love it!!!

Writer in Residence said...

Congratulations Maggie! Your blog is at the top of my list of blog feeds -- I check it daily to see if there's anything new!
I would be so thrilled, honoured, and delighted to win the wonderful Maggie Grey art work -- so please count me in on the draw!
Cheers from Toronto, Canada
Marjorie

Jen M said...

Congratulations on your 200th post,Maggie!

I can relate the the computer story, I lost my backlog of WOWs (and passwords) for the last 4 or 5 years, thanks to the kids importing a virus and wiping our whole system. At least, I became an expert at reloading all the computer bibs and bobs and at using the external hard drive as backup.

I love WOW and am making a rather dubious attempt at the 'textile translation'...mine's translating, but I'm not sure into what.

The shrine is gorgeous...I don't know how you do it!

Cheers,
Jennifer.

Ruth said...

Congrats on your 200th! I would love to own a piece of your work so count me in.

Jen M said...

Congratulations on your 200th post,Maggie!

I can relate to the problematic computer experiences. I lost about 4-5 years of WOW (and paswords!), because the kids imported a virus, and we lost everything. The positive side was that i became very experienced at reinstalling computer operating systems and software!

I love the shrine, so please put my name in for the draw.

Thanks for WOW and Textile Tessalation (amongst other titles)...I am part of that group, but don't quite now what my work is tessalating into!
Cheers,
Jen

Penny said...

I dont think I am eligible as i won the last one but what the heck, I dont think I have a hope of winning it any way!

Robin Mac said...

Congrats on your 200th - seems like only yesterday I read the first one! They are so inspirational and you give us so many wonderful tips in them. We have just bought PaintShop Pro software so I shall be scrolling back to find where you have been giving instructions about using it! I would love to be included in the draw pleas.

Pam said...

The shrine piece is fabulous- would love to have it ! Thanks for the 200 th post! Keep them coming.

Deb Hardman said...

Gosh, I feel guilty now, I didn't think to do a give-away on my 200th. I guess I have to do 3 on my 300th to make up for it!

It is a beautiful shrine, & we ALL want it!!

Jane said...

Maggie, congrats on your 200th post, hasn't that gone quickly! Looking forward as always to the next WOW. My embroidery machine has just had to be returned to base after a software update killed it- just as I was getting ready to try some new things - hope it is back in time. A big yes please to the giveaway.

Linda’s Textiles said...

I enjoy reading your blog but haven't commented before, congrats on reaching 200 posts & I'd love to be in the draw for your beautiful shrine piece.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on reaching 200! Your work is amazing and I look forward to seeing your new book.
I would love to go in the draw for a piece of your at work.
Helen

Patty said...

Hi Maggie
I've been lurking for a long time-this is my first ever comment to a blog -actually my first comment sent to the internet ! I have been trying the free lessons accessed via my copy of Textile Translations - not working out quite like yours though. Do you think it makes a difference if I use LoSalt instead of "proper" salt - there does not seem to be any colour reactions at all. I would love to be included in the draw for your shrine piece. Patty.

English Rose said...

woohoo, 200 posts - who would have thought it. way to go Maggie. many congratulations, here's to the next several hundred, and of course, I would love to have a go at owning the shrine piece.

Leanne said...

I add my congratulations on your 200th post. I am boggled at the work you produce. I look forward to the next 200 posts. All the best to you and yours.

Micki said...

Hi Maggie. Count me in please. Looking forward to WOW and hope to post a pic soon for the online class.

June H said...

Hi! I love WOW. It gets better each year! Please enter me in the Shrine draw Thanks, June H

jac said...

Hi Maggie and helpers !

May be a bit of loose fur would add to the texture .

Thanks for doing the draw and sharing with us.

Jackie

hippopip said...

Congratulations on 200 brilliant posts and I would love to be included in the draw please.

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your 200 th post, I hope there will be a lot more!

Gillait said...

Maggie

I love the colours and textures in this piece - please add me to the draw

GILLAIT

Margaret Garrood said...

Congratulations on your 200th blog.
I read it regularly and your books are bedtime reading for me- keep up the good work!

Virginia said...

200! that's real "stick-at-it-ness! Thank you for generously sharing your knowledge - I learn so much each time I read your blog - and I've loved the WOW work too.

A piece of yours would certainly bless my little embroidery space - please count me it.

Virginia

Nancilyn (Fiberdabbler) said...

Congratulations on your 200th! I've enjoyed every word, every picture. You are a treasure. Do
include me in the drawing, please.

Norma Bullen said...

Good Heavens- 200 already! Seems like yesterday when you (reluctantly) started Maggie.
Love your blog & reading of your furry friends exploits in your studio.
Here's to the next 200 & thanks for including me in your give-away'

Norma B

Mixed Media Martyr said...

Congratulations on 200 posts Maggie! I love "paper, metal, stitch" it is a great resource! Please count me in on your draw! Leanne.

SewIknit2 said...

Congratulations on both the 200th post and on a super blog with much yumminess to look forward to reading and please include me in the draw too!
Thank you. Sue

Doreen K. said...

Congratulations on your 200th post.
Please add me to your give a way.
Thanks.

ingedk said...

You have a great blog, I love all your interesting works and books too
Best regards from Denmark
Inge Reinholdt

Karen Hurrell said...

Congratulations on your 200th post. I am glad you mentioned your success with updating your Bernina software to Vista. It may even encourage me to invest in the new software.

Unknown said...

I really like your blog - I don't always follow every day but it is inspiring to drop by now and then - please enter me in your draw.

Dale Anne Potter said...

CONGRATS on the 200th post!

GREAT piece!!!

TB said...

Maggie, thanks for offering this give-away, and please include me in the draw.

Nathalie G. said...

I love reading our blog every day.
Please, also add my name in your hat.
thanks

cleomoore said...

I viewed your site for the first time today. How lovely all of it is. I can hardly wait to become more involved in looking at your work and following your adventures. I would love to be included in any drawing you have and would love to see your work.
Thank you.

Carol said...

Oh please include me in the hat -well not literaly! Isn't it funny how quickly 200 posts pass.

Anonymous said...

congratulations on 200 blogs and I would be pleased to be entered into your hat

Ros

merkusje said...

Congratulations Maggie, I'd love to be included in the draw :)

welch wizard said...

Congrats on 200 postings. Please include me in draw for shrine. Love your blog, WOW and the online course. Wish I had your amazing energy.

Anya said...

Congratulations on your 200th post! Thanks for the chance to win your lovely artwork!

Lauren said...

ooh, shrine door, yes, LOVELY and i would adore being the winner! oh, those icons in St. Catherine's monastery -- i have seen them there and they are breathtaking. there wasn't a catalog or postcard available and no photos inside the sanctuary, so i am wistful from the memory of them, small, beautiful, old, gold, warm, rich, filled with love and spiritualness. happy 200th to you!

Pam said...

congrats.
Please include me in your draw for the lovely Shrine Door.

Keep up the inspirational work.

Pam

Pam said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jo in NZ said...

congrats on 200 posts. The art/blogging world is all the richer for having you contribute to it! How lucky would I be to win this!! Thanks for the opportunity.

lisette said...

congratulations maggie - 200 posts! thanks for your constant inspiration and generosity in sharing. i have learned so much from you - please put my name in the fish bowl for that gorgeous piece

Judi said...

Congratulations on your 200th post!!! Please add me to your draw. Judi

Judy said...

Hi!Maggie,

Love the piece of Embroidery and want to throw my name in for a chance. I am loving your Textile Translations not yet tried anything.

I love your blog and Congratulations on reching 200.

Wabbit said...

Congrats on the 200th post, Maggie! Please include me in the draw. Sorry for being incognito on the Yahoo group. Marilyn is a pseudonym forced on me by my father and my mother's sister at birth. That Smudge is as cute as he can be, isn't he?

Stitching with Schnauzer and Siamese said...

Gosh 200 already. Well done indeed! As I write this you have had had 86 comments left, is that a record? Well deserved popularity IMHO, keep up the good work, -- this is starting to sound like a teachers report.... so will finish with best wishes
from Maggie (the other one!)

Fabienne said...

Hi Maggie!
I have a look to your blog so often but it's always a great moment! Thank you for all your posts. I'd love to have a real peace of your art not only the beautiful pictures in your books.

Dorothy Gibbs said...

Hi Maggie,
Congratulations on the 200th post.
I always look forward to reading your words of wisdom!
I finally got the mobile connected again today!

Fibrenell said...

Wow, it must be fate. I was just working today with water-sol paper and of course checked up in your book for some inspiration, and now I've been reading this blog about your gorgeous piece. Pleeease include me in your draw.
Thank you, Helen

Val said...

Hi Maggie - Many congrats. on your 200th post and thanks so much for such an inspirational and informing Blog. I'd love to be included in your draw.

Sonja said...

You should check out the "Extreme Textiles" book that accompanied the exhibit that traveled a few years ago. I got to go to the exhibit when it was in Ohio and it was incredible. It talks about Foster's "gherkin" building as being based on textile techniques. It doesn't mention the building on the website unfortunately: http://www.cooperhewitt.org/exhibitions/extreme_textiles/site/index.htm

Lyn Armstrong said...

My first visit to your blog Maggie, I liked it very much and will be back. I am fairly new to blogging so was impressed with your 200th post, keep up the good work. Lyn

jan b. said...

Congratulations on your 200th post. This is my first visit to your blog and am looking forward to many future visits.

jan in ohio, usa

Mavis said...

Hi Maggie

I would love to be in the draw if I'm not too late. I've had some internet problems and also been busy dyeing fabric with friends. Love your blog, I only follow three blogs - no time for more!
Cheers Mavis in Alice Springs

Jacqui said...

Wow, I don't think I stand a chance with 95 comments but I would like to say I love your blog and read it all the time,although I don't always comment. Hears to another 200 posts!

TASFiberArtist said...

Congrats on the 200th Post. I would love to be included in your give away. You do such awesome work!

Kaffie said...

Hi Maggie,
I would love to be included in the draw please.
200 posts well done.
Visiting your blog is a treat many thanks.
Best wishes
Cathy J.

Artybits UK said...

Hi Maggie
I have become a great fan of your blog and would like to be entered into the draw. It would be great to own one of your pieces.

PS The catalogue is now at the quarantine stage!

janev said...

Dear Maggie, please can I be included in the draw? love following your blog, thanks and regards jane :-)

sandrastitches said...

Hi Maggie, congratulations on 200th post,I'd love to be included in the draw. Many thanks for a wonderful embellisher course as well xx Sandra

Pam L. said...

Hi!

I just discovered your book Image to Stitch. And that led me to your web site and your blog - beautiful and inspiring - and lucky me, I might win a piece of your work. Now that would be lovely!

Congrats on your 200th post!

Pam

helen said...

Hi Maggie
I'd love to be included in the draw. Thank you. I ordered the Julia Caprara book and it arrived in NZ within a week. I love it.
Helen from Christchurch NZ

MARGARET FIELD said...

Wow, I'm the 103rd comment, and i know i don't stand a chance, but hey, just soooooo glad i found your blog at last.
xxx margaret xxxx

Maureen said...

Better late than never, please include me in the giveaway for that great piece, thank you!

Anonymous said...

I have just started working on the Textile Translations and have been lurking around the net. I am really enjoying the online course and all the work that you do. Congrats on your 200 posts.
Iris.