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I've almost finished my ham but I have a question for Reza before I want to finish it.

The ham measures a little smaller than the measurements Reza gave us, and I think it can handle a little more sawdust. I was afraid it would be kind of small, when in fact it's BIG! It could double as a hard pillow to sleep on! One reason the measurements don't quite match Reza's may be because I may have used a little too soft inner and outer cloths.

Felt - I used 100% wool felt but it was thin, so I used two layers for one of the oval bases only. I sewed them together around their edge before sewing them into the gusset.

Sawdust - I primarily used larger but soft shavings that came from a quality landscape supply/producer. I got what I thought was an excessive amount for only $5 Cdn (also known as Cdn Pesos, as our dollar is kept artificially and painfully low.) I sourced it from their outdoor covered shed that doesn't get direct rain in it, but is exposed to Canadian winter rain and moisture. Another contact gifted me some lovely very fine quality pure wood finishing carpentry sawdust.) To my shock, I've used all of the larger shavings and 1/4 of the fine shavings so far.

To stuff the shavings into the ham, I used the same flat wooden spatula that Reza suggested. When the ham started to get fuller, I used my French style rolling pin for pushing the shavings down into the ham; I also used it and my lower arm to bang away on the cloth top and sides of the ham once it started to get full to better distribute the sawdust.

I don't like using the fine carpentry sawdust. I much prefer the larger shavings and think it does the job.

Filling the ham didn't take that long - 30 minutes ? - but I made a mess. I would grab a bunch of sawdust and use my hand to stuff it down. Next time I'll try making a paper cone funnel and feed the sawdust through that to reduce the mess. However, the mess didn't take long to clean up using a handbrush, broom and vacuum. Most importantly, I wore a medical-grade mask and my glasses. In spite of this, I could feel the fine dust getting close to my eyes. As Reza said, a mask is mandatory.

I found hand-sewing the seam allowances to lie flat against the gussets took the longest time. I had to undo some of it as I had folded it towards the flat oval surface and not the gusset. I know, I know! - remember to pay attention to what I am doing!

I didn't rush the job and fit it into my other daily routines over 3 days. I'd say I've spent 10 hours in total on it so far. I've enjoyed the process.

PHOTOS:

I've closed the opening using safety pins until I decide the next step. And no, I didn't try to do any pattern matching between the top and gusset! I will for future hams as pattern matching is an essential tailoring skill.

My rolling pin makes a great wacker/pounder!

I removed any larger / thicker stick-shaped shavings before using.

Questions for Reza,

1. I'm concerned with my feeling a bit of moisture in the shavings that they will create mold even with the plentiful use of baking soda. I'm thinking of emptying the ham and putting the shavings into an open large plastic rectangular container I have. I would redistribute the shavings every couple of days and give the shavings a week or so to dry out inside my home. Is this a good idea?