Chambray source?

[dixonmanor]

Looking to purchase yardage (10 or less) for some projects I'm working. Preferably organic and US- or Japanese- made. Selvedge isn't really important. I'm aware of the Robert Kaufman chambrays, but I'm looking for more variety and maybe something a little slubbier.

Any ideas?

 

[zissou]

I've never been able to find any easily. Your best bet is to look for a fabric house, even a wholesaler, but you'd probably need to be in a fairly large city to find a decent one.

 

[Cordwinder]

I work with fabrics but I am in Japan.
I can find you chambray but for 10 meters or less, you will be paying retail.

Whats slubby chambray?

 

[dixonmanor]

"you'd probably need to be in a fairly large city to find a decent one."

I'm in Chicago...

"Whats slubby chambray?"

What I mean is, Chambray that doesn't resemble oxford cloth.... i.e. a little rougher hand, something with more texture.

The problem is that the textile industry doesn't seemed too concerned with having informative, functional websites. And googling "chambray" leads to basically nothing. Now that I'm thinking about it, a master list of accessible US textile mills/factories might be a nice thing to have on Styleforum.

 

[dixonmanor]

Bueller....

 

[zissou]

Did you try cordwinder?

 

[brad-t]

Originally Posted by dixonmanor

Now that I'm thinking about it, a master list of accessible US textile mills/factories might be a nice thing to have on Styleforum.

this is a forum for consumers, not manufacturers

 

[dixonmanor]

While that may be true, there are also a lot of hobbyists/manufacturers/retailers participating daily in discussions on this board, and sharing ideas and resources is never a bad idea.

 

[dixonmanor]

Did you try cordwinder? I don't know exactly what you mean.

 

[zissou]

The guy from Japan who posted in this thread saying he could get you chambray from Japan

 

[Simontuntelder]

Maybe you should ask Kiya. I remember him mentioning something about about there being some (2 or 3) good American makers of chambray. I don't know if he would be willing to give up their names or if they would sell to you, a private person - buying a very little amount.

Get back to Cordwinder and sort something out.

BTW. What are you planning on making? Full disclosure for your SF mates, please.

 

[dixonmanor]

I'm waiting to hear from an affiliate who is generously sharing his chambray source. As for what I'm making... a few things are in the works, but the chambray will most likely be used as a lining for a waxed-cotton laptop sleeve, and maybe as bias tape for a reproduction of Filson's extinct short-bill cap, seen on the right in this picture:

 

[zissou]

I've been looking for a simple unbranded cap like that, and have considered making some out of twill or canvas. Let the hat wars begin!

 

[dixonmanor]

Zissou, I'd love your input as to what other qualities you're looking for in a hat... I plan to have these made up in waxed canvas.

 

[zissou]

Something like that filson hat above, with a bill length in between those two (rounded like those, not squared), in a twill or canvas would be perfect. I don't like the typical cinch straps, so maybe three sizes with a little elastic or small leather strap in back?? Waxed anything would not work for me because it's very sunny and hot here. Barter for belts?