Details of the bridge and crew quarters
First Lifebelt
Back to the bridge and crew quarters. The photograph shows a lifebelt set on each side of the bridge, so once I had a little more of that section completed, I went looking for ways to represent them. Some rather gorgeous thread from one of the Frostings boxes was my first thought, but it proved impossible to get the proportions right.
Shrinking Lifebelts
Grrrrr.
Oh well, the number of attempts it took to get there gives a pretty good idea of quite how difficult that is. Each of these rounds is worked in stranded cotton, around different sizes of bone stiletto, using different numbers of strands. They are all simple and straightforward rounds of buttonhole stitch over a wrap of the same thread it is stitched with, but I was beginning to wonder how much smaller I would have to go!
Lifebelts And Other Details
But I do think it was worth the effort. I’ve attached the two lifebelts with satin stitch to replicate the colour alternation, and extra stitching to add details of the funnel, chimney, and the beginnings of the wheelhouse. I can’t finish it until I have the land and sea done, but I’m quite pleased with the results so far!
I applaud your ingenuity! Thinking things out is a major part of the fun gained from such enterprises.
This is looking good Rachel! And I can only imagine how difficult these ringlets of buttonhole stitch were. I always thing my fingers suddenly grow a few inches when attempting something like this :).
Your problem-solving is always interesting. Thanks for including a pic of the shrinking lifebelts!
Working on such small details takes patience and willpower. The result proves it was worth the effort!
This is looking really good, I like the colour you have used for the lifebelts. Interesting project to watch grow.
They look great. xx
What patience you must have to work on those small pieces. The result is great.
they are really cute! I thought they were crocheted at first. I love the thread for your first attempt
How small can you go!! But it really works. The buttonhole stitch gives that accurate lifebelt disc-shape, so a great success in the end!
Very effective! You’re so clever!
Ooo – wonderful!
That is a great effect.
This is so effective! You really are an ingenious stitcher.