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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: wifetod
Date: 04-18-2004, 02:06 PM (1 of 8)
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Where are places that using a ham will help me? I saw one at an estate sale Friday and bought it. I don't know anything about using one. Jolene Jolene
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User: wifetod
Member since: 01-19-2004 Total posts: 149 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 04-19-2004, 08:09 AM (2 of 8)
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You can use it on any curved area. Just put it by the ironing board and grab it whenever you can wrap a curve around it. I use mine a lot. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Shadow's Silk
Date: 04-22-2004, 01:17 PM (3 of 8)
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I have and use a number of sized hams when sewing. I have a sleeve roll, which is great for pressing the seams on sleeves and I really must get a dowel and have it halved lengthwise, as they are great when you only want to press the seam and not any of the fabric. I have the regular ham, which is the most common found in any fabric store. This is great for pressing darts, princess seams, any seam that takes the flat of the fabric and creates a curve or rounds it to conform to your body. Think of where this seam is placed on the body and if it is over the hip, over the bust or requires clipping, that is when the ham is used. The ham shapes the fabric, rather than just pressing your seam or fabric flat. When you begin to use the ham, you will always use it. This ham is also great when you want to shape a tailored jacket neckline or a shirt collar with stand. Get the collar or neck edge as to how it will look when finished. Pin it to the larger of the rounded ends of the ham. It will look as if the ham is wearing the piece. Depending upon the fabric, lay a press cloth over it and steam press the shape into the neck edge or collar. Lay the piece down and leave for a day. This will allow the fabric to dry and to set in shape. Note: For a man's tailored jacket, you would reverse the position of the neck edge, pressing it backwards, so to speak. I also have a larger ham, which is more triangular in shape and flatter. I use this for pressing seams. Seldom do I press on the flat of the table or ironing board and also gives some height to the job. I am also going to make an arm ham. This is in the shape oof a slightly bent arm, longer than normal to accomodate any number of arm lengths. This is used when you are tailoring a jacket or coat sleeve...example a two piece sleeve pattern, a sleeve with a dart at the elbow, etc. Hams are made using two fabrics. Your inner lining is 100% cotton, factory cotton is great for this. The outer layer usually consists of one half 100% cotton and the other half wool. You could incorporate half of the fabric to accomodate napped fabrics or embroidery, where when pressed, won't flatten the fabric or stiches. Insert the inner layer into the outer layer and begin stuffing with sawdust. Stuff and stuff until you think you can't stuff in any more and stuff again until the ham is very, very tight and hard. Whip stitch the openings closed. they are easy to make, but you have to make sure that the fabric is pulled and shaped very tightly. My sleeve roll is getting soft and I will have to replace it soon. Also look into the wooden pressing tools, they are great! |
User: Shadow's Silk
Member since: 03-08-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 04-22-2004, 05:51 PM (4 of 8)
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Shadow Silk when you buy a dowel to do a seam stick, make sure it is of hardwood. My DH made me one and I love it, especially for pressing seams in long skirts, etc. I also have a sleeve board that is one of the best investments I have made. I also need to order me a clapper and point presser one of these days. My pressing hams are also well used. The large one is invaluable when iron DH's dress shirts. The ham allows for a wonderful look on collars on men's dress shirts. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Shadow's Silk
Date: 04-23-2004, 12:31 AM (5 of 8)
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I agree about the dowel. Hardwood, eh? Thanks. I have 2 sleeve boards that I made myself, one larger than the other. I used oak for mine with point pressers on the other side. Love them. Find one at a store, take a look at the dimensions and go for it! Once you begin to use the tools of the trade, they become invaluable. The same as thimbles. Never used one until I went to college. We would have 10% taken off our total mark if we were ever caught stitching without one. Now, I can't even thread the needle without it on. |
User: Shadow's Silk
Member since: 03-08-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: quiltnart
Date: 04-23-2004, 04:54 PM (6 of 8)
| I know this was a serious post but I had to laugh. My husband likes for me to explain certain sewing and quilting terms to him. Don't think he's ready to understand how a "ham" is used in sewing. He still has trouble with quilting "UFO's" he thinks they are sci-fi quilts. |
User: quiltnart
Member since: 01-16-2002 Total posts: 2 |
From: Shadow's Silk
Date: 04-23-2004, 05:29 PM (7 of 8)
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That's too funny. I know the same thing when I talk bias to Sean. Way over their heads. He wants to see what I am making, now, but I also understand that his interest is courtesy and if I begin to use words along with the show and tell, he has his hands on the doorknob ready to bolt. So I do it all the time, just to watch the immediate response change from a smile and feigned interest to OMG, why did I agree to this? Let me out of here. =  ))
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User: Shadow's Silk
Member since: 03-08-2003 Total posts: 6 |
From: sewingrandma
Date: 04-24-2004, 06:43 AM (8 of 8)
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I had always wanted a ham but didn't want to spend the money for one. At a White Elephant Sale at the Nursing Home I used to work for I picked up a bag labeled sewing supplies for $2. It was sealed since it was a grab bag. What a find, old patterns, seam binding, lace, 2 sewing books from very early 1900's, and a ham. I'm still using it and have added to my collection. I too have several different sized dowels that I use but DH seems to keep taking them. I guess I'm going to have to put my name on them like I did my hammer, but I'm afraid if I did that what ever I used to write with would bleed onto whatever I was pressing. Maybe a chain on one end like they do with gas station restroom keys? Guess I'll figure something out.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
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