The Camberwell Panel – Twelve
Moored At Last
There were a few final details to be added to the panel while we discussed the wording of the border, and tracked down suitable materials for working it. These are things like the radio mast and framework beside the superstructure which were worked in a mid-toned, matte grey cotton. The radio mast is in broad chain stitch, which produces a smooth and heavy line, while the framework is in whipped stem stitch which produces a more rounded effect.
Then even more importantly, there was the mooring line. In reality there would be one fore and aft and possibly another amidships, but there is such a thing as too much accuracy!
I tried several ideas, such as crochetted single chain, or even a heavy, single thread, but I finally made the mooring line with mid grey pearl cotton, using a lucet. This is an ancient technique which produces a strong, square braid. It was looped twice around the bollard (which is layered with gauze and padded), and then the free end was whipped to the standing end to simulate the looped cable that would be the first thrown to the quay on mooring. It is only attached at the ends (that is, where it is lead through the scuttle at the bows, and by the bollard about which it is wrapped). That means that it hangs in a fairly natural curve, although it is also both heavy and stiff enough that it has held that curve through the process of framing and transport of the finished article.
Can you tell that my grandfather, too, was a Master Mariner?
Moored – and looking absolutely fabulous! A masterpiece!
wow!!!! Impressed here in Lancashire!!
Perfect choices! Those stitch choices are so important aren’t they….and knowing what you want to express goes along with that too. Someone like me knows absolutely nothing about ships but can recognize the beauty of your stitch.
WOW!!! This is wonderful. I admire your attention to detail and only wish I could see it in ‘real life’. Your stitchery, and choice of stitches, is perfect!!!
Magnificent, Rachel. I love the detail and the overall design. This is just wonderful.
It’s so…..shippy! All the wonderful details. And they all look great! Congratulations, me matey!
Stunning!!!
Mooring the ship has a huge efect on the stability of the whole piece. One looses the subconscious feeling that she is sailing by or away. She is at rest and we are connected to her. Good grief! How very metephysical! Stuff the phylosophy, I think she’s fabulous and she looks even better in real life. I think I’d better get on with writing the bit about the frame.
That piece has come together beautifully. My husband trains teenagers on a sail training tall ship so I have been told that it is the details that make the ship what it is.
It is a masterpiece! It looks just magnificent. Very well done.
I’ve commented before about the perspective but it never fails to impress me. Have I asked already about the size of the panel. You have nack of finding exactly the right stitch for each detail.
I agree with CA. You completely NAILED the perspective in this one…And I love the personal story behind the piece too…that might be my favorite part…next time I’d love to see an action shot of you using the lucet! Too cool…