One year ago, I had gathered up the materials I’d need for this project. I had a couple of weaving shuttles and clear vision for transforming them into decorative sailboats. But right as I was getting started, an email appeared in my inbox.
It was from a publisher- my book deal had arrived! So, everything I was working on was cast aside and this project went back in the cupboard for another year.
Fast forward to this summer and I finally had a chance to put my idea to work.
As you may recall, I have a particular fondness for upcycling bits and pieces from old textile mills. And while there are lots of sailboat decor ideas out there, most of them use driftwood or scrap wood.
But a weaving shuttle seemed even more perfect to me! So, it’s high time I see if I could recreate the vision in my head.
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Transforming a Weaving Shuttle into Sailboat Decor
The most “complicated” part of my idea would be building a mast. But, really, all I needed was a couple of wooden dowels- a larger square one and a narrow round one.
First, I measured and cut the square dowel into blocks (think like the game Jenga) that fit inside each weaving shuttle.
These would act as a base for the masts to fit into. Which meant I then needed to drill large holes straight down into the blocks.
To do so, we used a drill guide to keep things straight and even.
Once the holes were drilled into the blocks, I inserted the round dowel and cut it to an appropriate mast length.
Not very complicated at all, really!
Next, I sanded all the raw edges down and gathered some different wood stains.
I needed to stain the masts to match their respective loom shuttles. Thankfully, I have plenty of small cans of stain on hand!
My idea for decorative sailboats was coming together quite swimmingly!
Sails for Decorative Sailboats
After waiting 24 hours for the wood stain to thoroughly set, I gathered up some duck cloth (or canvas) and ticking fabric to make the sails.
I also needed to add a couple of teeny tiny eye screws to the tips of each weaving shuttle. These would be used for rigging the sails, so to speak.
To make my life easier, I used a pin vise to drill teeny tiny pilot holes for the eye screws.
You may recall that I used a pin vise once before for this unusual jewelry project…
Anyway, then I used scrap paper to roughly trace out the sails for my decorative sailboats. I then cut out the duck cloth and/or ticking fabric based on the paper patterns.
I ironed the sails and did my best to remove lint and debris. Then, I threaded a needle with craft thread to begin rigging up the sails!
I chose craft thread because it’s thicker and more durable than all-purpose thread. I thought it might replicate the look of sailboat rigging line, as well.
Either way, I rigged the sails to my decorative sailboats at the top and bottom of the masts, as well as to the eye screws.
Sailboat Decor from a Weaving Shuttle
And just like that, I had transformed the weaving shuttles into sailboat decor that was perfect for summer!
I mean, aren’t they just delightful? And unlike model sailboats that have a true hull underneath, the weaving shuttles are flat so you don’t need a stand to prop them up!
I’m just so tickled by how cute they are! And I’m doubly glad that I remembered to make them this year after being pushed aside last year for the almighty book!
If you enjoyed this upcycling idea for coastal or nautical decor, then you may also be interested in these upcycled nautical bottle ideas, as well!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Such a cute idea!
Thank you, Rose!
Soooo cute! Great vision!
Thank you so very much, Susan!
Your creative vision is outstanding. Love the sailboats.
You are so kind, Rita, thank you!
Great Job. I love them.
Thank you so very much!
very nice!!!!!
Thanks, Scotty!
What a cool idea, really love the simplicity of the design…would work in any style from rustic to contemporary! Sandi
Totally!! Thank you so much!
I love getting your emails. You are so talented. Love the sail boats. My son and grandson lives in Easley, SC Thank you for your posts, Lyn
Thank you, Lynda! Easley was very close to where we just moved from (Greenville, SC). We were there for 11 years…but excited to get to know Charlotte now!
so clever, Sadie! you have such creative ideas and you execute them so well.
Thank you, Dodie!! I appreciate your kind words more than you know!
So Cute.
Thank you!
These are so cute!!!!
Thank you so much, Nancy!
Sarah, Your brilliance is showing–yet again. However, may I also say, “Bad blogger!” You didn’t put a link to your book that I could easily find! I do really love your blog. Thanks for sharing your cute sailboats.
That’s because it’s not out yet, LOL! It was supposed to be released in September, but the publisher pushed back many of their summer and fall titles due to world events. So it will be released and available to buy in February! Trust me, when it’s on the shelves, you will get sick of me talking about it, hahahaha!
Maine is another place where there were lots of mills so I see shuttles quite frequently! The only thing I would add is a little red pennant at the top of the mast–unless it was Halloween when it would be a skull and crossbones! Some angel hair for “mist on the water”. I love your “beach glass” bottle project–which I did to votive candle holders with twine and charms–adorable. Love a nautical/beachy theme–any time of year!
Really cute! Very creative, can’t wait for the book. Are you all moved into your new place now?
Thank you so much, Mary- it’s going to be hard to wait until February for the book to be released. But I can’t really blame the publisher for delaying many of their titles right now!
Absolutely charming!!!!!How are you enjoying Charlotte?Will be looking forward to September for the book.Take care.
Ahhh, you must have missed this blog post where I talked about the publisher delaying a bunch of titles: https://www.sadieseasongoods.com/diy-greeting-cards/ . So we have a bit of a wait, yet. But thank you- and we are loving Charlotte!!
Very cute and clever, Sarah! Looking forward to your book.
Thank you!! I’ve been approving and revising the layout last week and this, so it’s starting to feel VERY VERY REAL now!!
Such a cute idea! I love sail boats
Thanks, Maria!