Thursday 2 May 2019

God Speed Greenock

I think of all my recent cross stitch work, this is the one I am most proud of.  The minute I saw this pattern - The Shores of Hawk Run Hollow by Carriage House Samplings, I knew I wanted to stitch the sailing ship in the middle portion of the pattern. 


The ship reminded me of old pictures of my home town when it was not only full of sailing ships loading and unloading cargoes from all over the world, but also of the fact that wooden sailing ships were actually built here in Greenock.


I added Greenock's old motto - "God Speed Greenock".  There's a stained glass window in our municipal buildings in Greenock which depicts the motto under a wonderful sailing ship.  Hope I've done Greenock justice with my effort.  (You can read a bit more about Greenock's motto here on my other blog.)


I found it a great piece to cross stitch and really enjoyed working on it.  I outlined the sails on each mast and then it was just a case of  mindlessly filling in the unpatterned ones - I didn't have to think too much about that part of it.  The patterned sails were a bit more complicated.


I have another reason for wanting to stitch this.  My great grandfather was a sailmaker back in late 19th century.  He sailed all over the world and died in a terrible storm at sea.  You can read his story here.  I thought of him a lot as I was stitching.


So, I decided to just simply frame this piece, I thought it looked like an old stitched sampler.  I tea dyed the fabric myself and I think it adds to the look of the picture. 
Yes, I'm definitely proud of this one!

Love, Liz

7 comments:

Julie said...

Very interesting story of your great grandfather, so many lost at sea.
You did great job stitching this lovely ship. I stitched the whole sampler in memory of my dad who was a sailor and added his name and dates to the memory block.
You can see my finish here, a very therapeutic project to work on and my brother now has it hanging in his office. https://juliesstitchingjournal.blogspot.com/2013/07/shores-of-hawk-run-hollow-finish.html

NanaDiana said...

Oh My Gosh! I LOVE this piece. I did a cross stitch years ago of a ship in sail connected to Door County, WI. I am sorry to say I don't know what happened to it. I gave it as a gift to my BIL and he gave it away at some point when he moved.

You did a really great job! Have a good Thursday- xo Diana

Sheila said...

What a special piece with the family history as your reason for stitching it.

I am currently tea and coffee dying every bit of Aida I possess and stitching Christmas. So happy to be cross stitching again.
Hugs-x-

Polyester Princess said...

Your sailing boat cross stitch is gorgeous, and I love the connection with the history of your town. Love your town's motto and that magnificent stained glass! xxx

Jean said...

I don't blame you for being proud of it. It's wonderful. The story of your great granddad is very interesting and sad.

RJ said...

This is a wonderful stitch Liz and perfect for where you live. That was such an interesting story about your great grandfather. What a special motto your town has and the stained glass is gorgeous. RJ@stitchingfriendsforever

Crimson Kettle said...

How lovely and a grwat tribute to your Great Grandfather, how things have changed since those days.