GRR ARGH

[moonwise]

Okay. I want to figure out what kind of fabric would be best for making hakama, but there are so many choices. I want a medium-weight fabric that won't make me die of the heat, isn't terribly expensive, and has a nice drape. My options so far are:

Broadcloth

Inexpensive, but might be too thin

Duck

Not sure if this might be too heavy

Linen/linen blend

Attractive option, but potentially expensive

Any suggestions or thoughts?

Comments

[arafel.livejournal.com]

I'm leaning towards the linen blend even though $8/yd makes me cry, because I share your opinion that cheap fabric makes a cheap outfit. I'll probably check out the Joann's in Shrewsbury and/or Colonia, and then spring for the online stuff if nothing comes up.

[rydain]

I'd suggest a lightweight cotton twill. Cotton twill is seriously one of the best fabrics ever. It sews up very nicely and doesn't wrinkle easily. I've been stuffing my in-progress Xiahou Dun jacket in a storage bin between work sessions so the cats don't get at it, and it's mildly rumply, but that's about it. I used Hampton twill from Dharma Trading. I'd think that a decent fabric store would sell it as well. fashionfabricsclub.com has twill, too. It doesn't tend to come in a wide variety of colors, but I didn't have any trouble dyeing Hampton twill in the washing machine. There's some very subtle variegation in the color (I forgot to throw in calsolene oil, and that's probably why), but it was so difficult to see on the yardage that I doubt I'd even be able to find it on the finished garment.

[arafel.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the recommendations! I don't think I'm going to go through the trouble of dyeing something black, so I'll check out the available stuff from Joann.com and Fashionfabrics.com.

[hardlyfatal.livejournal.com]

Duck would be too heavy, and is hard to sew. Also too stiff.

Broadcloth would be good, and if you lined it, wouldn't be too thin but still light enough not to die from the heat.

Linen would be ideal-- breathable, right weight/body, but yes, can be expensive. Are you still in the NJ area? If so, you should hit Jo-Mar fabric store on I Street in Philly. They have amazing bargains in even luxury fabrics. You can get exceptional cloth (silk, wool, linen) for under $10/yard.

[arafel.livejournal.com]

Sadly, I don't live too near Philly, and I don't know my way around the city besides. :P But, I'll remember the place for when I visit the inlaws again; they live in southeast PA. There are some good linen deals on eBay, but it's so hard to tell whether a fabric is the right weight without a swatch! Fashionfabricsclub has a linen for $8/yd, so we'll see.