Once the center section of the keel is stitched the ends get drawn together to make the beginnings of the bow and stern. Then the temporary forms are carefully positioned and wired in place. I clamped a short scrap of wood to the form to act as a support to keep the form from falling down until the additional wires are added later. When the forms were in place I then stitched in panel 2 making sure that all of the panels aligned perfectly at the center butt joint.
It is amazing how the panels come together! Suddenly the bow and stern curves are beginning to take shape and the alignment at the ends is just perfect. Panels 1 through 3 for both sides are now in place. |
The following pictures are looking toward the bow. You can clearly see the support for the form and if you look closely you can see that the wires closest to the bow are inserted from the inside so that you can twist the ends.