Sourcing Fabric?

[fluteplayer07]

I'm searching for silk to give to my tailor so a new suit lining can be made. Does anyone know where I can buy high quality silk by the yard (or possibly even deadstock)? I'm looking for royal purple or red. The tailor can get polyester for me, but he doesn't source fabric beyond that. Or is polyester now preferred over silk for suit linings? (I feel bad putting polyester in a genuine 1930's suit.)

Thanks for the help,

 

[dakotanorth]

Silk is going to be really warm and rather expensive. Have you considered bemberg rayon, viscose rayon, or maybe an acetate blend?

 

[fluteplayer07]

Silk was actually the first material that came to my mind. But in any case I don't know where to find it. Would JoAnn Fabric have something? Or are they for more craft and project uses? Thanks for the tips, too. Are any of the fabrics you just mentioned more preferred/easier to find than the others?

 

[Tomasso]

Bemberg (Cupro) is the lining of preference for most high end makers/tailors(although silk is still available). AFAIK, Bemberg has been in use since the 20's.

Here are the performance ratings of the various materials commonly used for linings.

 

[zetwal]

Here are the performance ratings of the various materials commonly used for linings.

Interesting!

 

[fluteplayer07]

Thanks Tomasso. Can I order direct from them? And is it really expensive?

 

[fluteplayer07]

Bump?

 

[LaMedicine]

Cupro Price

On the Rakuten auction site. 380yen--just under $4.50 by the present conversion--here for a piece 135cm x150cm which is approximately 53" x 59".

Why don't you post this Q in the Powder room for the ladies' help? There are many who sew, so someone would know where to get some.

FYI: http://www.rakuten.co.jp/hanabishi/440399/456884/627314/
Suit lining, so the price is per suit. 150yen would be sales tax, so, the fabric itself is 3,000yen per suit which puts it at around $35. Not sure if you'd consider that expensive or inexpensive.