Even when this busy and overwhelmed, and feeling the usual level of sick and ick, I like to step back and remember that this is a waaaaay better way to be living than sick and couch-bound. Or worse.
Since I am on the topic of the Jolly Roger, today's links will be to sites about the long tradition of Sailors Who Stitch. Having hand sewing skills was important (those sails must rip all the time in the face of high equatorial winds) and some talented artisans emerged from the practice of repair. Some background information on British sailor art can be found here. Called woolies, most of these works were of ships and nautical symbols. It is easy to imagine a sailor sitting in the crows nest, in the sunshine, stitching away. What a drag it must be to drop a needle. Anyway, there are some lovely examples of very inspired art on view all over the place. Links below!
This one has a beautifully rendered ship surrounded by flags that must represent the ports of call. Gorgeous color and stitch work. This example is from New Zealand. Again, beautiful flags and ship work, and even birds. But no eclectus? Now that would be something to see! This example shows exceptional thought with regards to the sails. Trapunto even! Lovely. A final contribution is not a work by a sailor, but of an anonymous woman from western Crete, embroidered in silk, of a mermaid representing the Goddess of the Sea. The story can be found here. Makes me want to carry a hoop and thread around with me at all times, again!
Friday ahoy, matey.