I have been so overwhelmed by all the kind comments and encouraging words from the launch of my victoria day boat jacket that I decided to start on a different kind of ship. This one was inspired by the bayeux tapestry and the fantastic soft toys of sandra at herzensart.
The process was the same as the last ship. I draw the basic ship's shape on to the linen, cut and sew the bits and pieces of vintage fabric, lace , ric rac and trim directly onto the fabric. I love unfinished edges as you can see. The fabrics , buttons and trim are almost all thrifted except for one linen ribbon with the sewing notions on it. I added the twisted ric rac mast, embroidered the details of the ropes and " chicken/dragon details" and some fancy stitches on the sail in white thread, added the vintage buttons and the last thing I did was add a "net" made up of tied embroidery thread. I am not sure if it is finished because sometimes after looking at it for a few days I might decide to add a few more details.
I was working on this project on the beach last sunday. The sun, sand and beautiful gentle waves were very inspiring. I dreamt of launching this textile ship and sailing to Iceland, a country I would love to visit one day. How many days sailing would that take?
For now this viking ship I have named Leif the Lucky will sit in the window until it becomes sea worthy.
Found your blog through Flickr. Love your vikingship! I think ships like these were called 'Drake' (Dragon) over here (Norway) after the dragons head on the front of the ship...
Posted by: Nicole | May 29, 2008 at 08:26 AM
This is your best ship ever. I love what you did with the green string/rope.
Posted by: tamara | May 29, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I love how busy with details this is. Especially the net and the little sewing themed ribbon. Very pretty
Posted by: Sarah | May 29, 2008 at 01:42 PM
I love your ship!! It is beautiful. It has such great detail. The fishing net looks real, and I love the loose edges that look like they could just wave in the wind! So inspiring!
Posted by: Linnea | May 29, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Beautiful ship - I so love turquoise, red and white together.
I also meant to respond to you and say that your idea about taking patients out into the green sounds spot on to me! Very healing.
Posted by: mary | May 30, 2008 at 05:40 AM
Oh Oh Oh! this is so beautiful, I am speechless!
Posted by: Tallulah Maggs | May 30, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Oh Margie! This new ship is coming out soooo beautiful! I love all the little details that you put into it. It is like a textile painting :) I love the buttons too. And the bird head is just adooorable! What a great expression!
Congratulations!!!
Elsita :)
Posted by: Elsita :) | June 02, 2008 at 06:13 PM