You may recall that about a month ago I purchased a handmade ham and seam roll from Stitch Nerd on Etsy.
The ham, in particular, was smaller than I expected, so I wasn't sure how much use I would get out of it. I've now used it for several projects and, I have to say, I LOVE this ham! (I don't use a seam roll too much, in general.)
First, it has a nice smell of sawdust. I really like the smell. The ham I've been using is a Dritz brand and I'm not sure what stuffs it so firmly, but it is not sawdust. I love how the steam can really penetrate the sawdust filling. This new one is just a bit malleable - that little bit of give makes it much easier to manipulate and use. I like it much better than the hard-as-a-rock Dritz ham.
At some point, I will be ordering a custom ham in a larger size so I can have small and large options. I will then retire the Dritz model. I really use my pressing tools, and this one is definitely Shams-endorsed! (I get nothing for my review, so don't worry about that. :)
Other than finishing my Liberty top this weekend, I also have another Style Arc cardi almost finished. It's a quick project, but I am tweaking it a bit, so I'm not sure when I will be posting it.
I hope you have a great week!
Interesting review on the ham. It's cute too!
ReplyDeleteAt a Stretch & Sew workshop many, many years ago I learned to make a large ham & stuff it with bits of wet wool. Slam that thing when you stuff it to compact the wool. Hand-stitch the opening closed, then hang it up in a sling made of mesh or an old pantyhose top in a dry place to dry thoroughly (takes awhile). Mine has wool on one side, canvas on the other. I'm sure it will last far beyond my lifetime.
ReplyDeleteCarol in Denver
Carol, I have never heard of stuffing a ham with wet wool bits. That is so interesting! And it works well for you?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review! I can see how sawdust would be a great stuffing for a ham... I think mine is one of the inferior rock-hard ones you referred to...!
ReplyDeleteYes, the wool-filled ham works very well. I should modify the instructions a bit: the wool bits were not WET; they had been spun-dried in the washer before stuffing into the ham form. The damp bits compact better than dry ones would but as they dry, they fluff up a little, filling the form.
ReplyDeleteMine must be about 40 years old. Sometimes I rest it on an old wooden miter box to hold it in the position needed for a specific pressing job.
cute pressing set! I just might buy my own :)
ReplyDeleteI have an old tailoring workbook that advocates a homemade wet wool ham. Im saving my scraps to try it.
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