Topic: No. 36 (I think!) - "Albion"
Albion is a tribute to my father's Royal Naval service. He joined the Navy as an Ensign in the 50s serving on a number of ships before joining the Fleet Air Arm flying fixed-wing and helicopters, rising to the rank of Flt Lt Cmdr on HMS Albion, one of the last aircraft carriers in the Royal Navy. I was christened by the ship's chaplain and they used the ship's bell as a font! Mum always told the story of how I would try and catch the immense bushy beard of the chaplain as he held me over the water
Anyway, with Dad approaching the end of his journey, I though I would create a whip that reflected his rank. The sleeve insignia for this rank consists of the Navy Wings above a circle sitting on a wide bar, a narrow bar and a wide bar, known as a two-and-a-half! I'm actually quite pleased with how it's come out. The thong is the straightest plaiting I've ever done with no twist at the tip at all. Unfortunately, because it was a bit of a rush job, I managed to cross a strand halfway down. You see it on the back side but the front is all good. I also mismanaged a couple of strand drops which are rather obvious from the rear. I really must tighten up on this type of detail!
"Albion"
6ft Bullwhip in Navy Blue and Goldenrod
16plt handle with Flt Lt Cmdr Rank detailed in Gold with 'HMS' for Her Majesty's Service
6pt tip with classic Fall Hitch
Pics, as always, aren't brilliant but I will take better ones once I'm back at home next weekend.
Back side of handle
Bad Drops!
Crossover
I'm not satisfied with the flaws but I'm happy with this. I can do better, and I will keep working to improve.