Mariner's Compass

I've wanted to make a Mariner's Compass since I first saw one. I find the narrow angles and clean lines very attractive. The block in my mind is perfect. The center lines up where it should and the points look sharp enough to draw blood. It's a shame this real block can't compare with the imaginary one. It might have turned out better if I'd followed a printed pattern. But I wanted one that would fit inside the ribbon border, and I couldn't find a pattern the right size. So I drew one of my own. I read somewhere that when he was in his late eighties, Michelangelo scribbled, "Ancora Imparo" in the margin of a sketchbook. It means "I'm still learning." It's important to remind ourselves that we're all works in progress. I'll make another Mariner's Compass someday. While it probably won't be perfect either, I'm sure it will improve on my first try.