For many, many months, I've been saving all those tiny, awkwardly shaped fabric scraps, with the intention of using them as stuffing for a ham. Here's my bag full:
This morning I printed out my PDF pattern. No, you don't really need a pattern for this - unless you're super lazy like me. I got mine here:
I'm making your standard ham-shaped ham. There's also a pattern for a kidney-shaped ham. But I'm not a fan of offal. And I don't know how it's used anyway.
I dug into my fabric box to find my leftover piece of magenta wool and some coordinating cotton. Here's my wooly side:
And here's my cottony side:
That fabric makes me happy!
Then I started slicing and dicing my fabric scraps, so they'd make a denser stuffing:
It's pretty fun to just go to town with the rotary cutter. You can see that I left a little opening for stuffing:
And in they go!
Obviously it's going to take me a while to cut up all that fabric and get the ham stuffed tight. But I think it's a great project for when I feel like sewing, but I don't really feel like sewing. I'm so happy to finally be making this ham, because I've felt the lack of it on some of my projects. And I'm very happy to be using those scraps rather than having to throw them away!
What a brilliant use of scraps!
ReplyDeleteIt's going a lot faster than I'd expected too! I'm already about 1/3 full!
DeleteI made my own at the start of this year but I stuffed it with sawdust... a messy endeavour. I'm sure you'll use it a lot, I love mine! I also made a seam roll out of matching fabric.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to have enough scrap left for a seam roll too. But if I don't all I'll have to do is wait a while longer!
DeleteI completely understand, I do not like having to throw scraps away either, but this is such a great use of them! Please be sure to post a photo of the final project!
ReplyDeleteI certainly will!
DeleteI was able to buy a ham at quilt guild a couple of years ago. Love having it. My seam roll is not as 'finished', but does the trick.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have a larger size one. NO, I am not going to get involved in scrapes. DD#2 and I have been working two years to use every single piece of scrap fabric we own. We have succeeded and send DD#1 ANY scrap we have. It cost us $15 per flat-rate box we send her - WELL WORTH THE $$$
I look forward to seeing your finished ham, Gail
hugs
What did you guys make with your scraps? I'm interested in all ideas - you know how those scraps pile up!
DeleteOkay Gail, I have a question..is the ham like a pillow or is it used for something in sewing? I have never heard of a cloth ham before.
ReplyDeleteIt's a tool for pressing darts and curved seams. It's packed really tightly so it's very firm. You lay your sewing on it and then press the dart or seam the way you want it to be :-)
DeleteI'm with Tracey. I am so confused. :) Can you explain what a ham is used for if not to fill delicious sandwiches?
ReplyDeleteSee above.
DeleteDelicious sandwiches is option #2. But not with this kind of ham. Unless you're on a very high-fiber diet. Muahahahaha.
Easily going to be the cutest little ham ever! Can't wait to see it finished.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I've had both these fabrics for years and I love them both!
DeleteGosh, this is cute! I'm so glad you've found a use for your scraps! I already have a ham... what to do with my horrible bag of scraps?!
ReplyDeleteOn flicker I saw the cutest pouf - the lady had made the outside quilt-like with scraps, and then put all her other scraps inside! So cool!
Deletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/silaibunai/7434261702/in/photostream
Gail,
ReplyDeleteGlad you're not really heating up the house on a 100-degree day with your ham. That is, unless your exertion at cutting up the scraps let off a lot of heat! I like it, and am sure you'll get lots of use out of it.
Gail, the adjective 'lazy' does not describe you! No way!!!
I was pretty fast and furious there for a while yesterday! ;-)
DeleteCrafters are such an amazing bunch! Who knew that one needed a stuffed ham?! ; )
ReplyDeleteA vegetarian crafter at that, LOL!
DeleteHey, great idea. I want one! Thanks for linking to the pattern, because I always prefer when other people do the pattern drafting work for me, even on a bean-shaped object. :)
ReplyDeleteI hear you, sister!
DeleteOh my word, you are just too talented ! Is there anything you cant do ? And I agree, there is NO WAY 'lazy' could apply to you. I feel feint just looking at everything you manage to achieve, feint and slightly envious, lol ! :-) xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's a lot easier to get things done when you have no kids or job, and aren't in school!!
DeleteHi, merely wanted to say, I liked this article. It was actually helpful. Carry on submitting! http://www.exoticcarrental305.com
ReplyDeleteHi Gail,
ReplyDeleteThe link for the ham patterns no longer exists. Would you happen to have the pdf still as would love to make my own hams.
Thanks,
Linda
Thank you for this post (and the nice big picture of your pattern, helpfully placed against your cutting mat, which shows the size) ... I've been refusing to spend £30 on a contoured ham for my corsets, and making do with badly abused cushions ... this will be soooo much better!
ReplyDelete