Help me find the perfect fabric

[Think of Winter]

You know, I think I might have posted this same question a year or so ago, but I still haven't found the right fabric, and it's the time of year for Spring sewing again.  

I want to make a spring jacket, and I have this lovely pattern, the Lady Grey by Collette.  I'm thinking cotton or a cotton blend, maybe twill?  But not a soft, upholstery kind of twill.  I want it smooth and not too drapey.  

I've checked Fabric.com and I can't find what I want.  Any suggestions on what kind of fabric to use, and where to find it?  The jacket takes a lot of fabric, 5 1/2 yds for the shell and nearly as much for the lining, so it needs to be cheapish, too.  I'm also not an advanced sewist, so there's a decent chance I'm going to mess it up.

[iowaorganic]

I would probably go with a cotton duck fabric.  Which is at Hobby Lobby or the like for usually about $5/yd.  Lots of  colors and would be a little stiffer than the twill.

[tracymom1]

Denim? Or maybe a light wool or wool-like blend. Or fleece?
Its super cute! Good luck!

[oma to 9]

You're definitely going to want a knit.  A woven won't have the give a knit will and you'll end up frustrated.  Maybe a moleskin or microsuede/suedecloth would be good, and they don't cost all that much either.  Another option would be a boucle knit.  Try fabric.com.

Trisha in MO

[Think of Winter]

Hi Trisha,

Really?  A knit?  For a spring jacket?  I wouldn't even have considered that.  I am not a big fan of the texture of suedecloth or moleskin.  I think a knit would drape and the jacket would droop.

[oma to 9]

Hi:

Yes, a knit.  Not a jersey or t-shirt knit.  Okay?  Not something like a rib knit.  However, most wool used for clothing is knit, not woven.  The wool in that photo is a stable knit.  Stable knits have very little give to them.  Just because it is knit doesn't mean it's stretchy.  That's just how the fabric is made from the yarn. 

A boucle knit lined with satin or tricot is not going to sag; nor will suedecloth, a light boiled wool, or a fleece like power dry or 300wt. polar fleece. 

Stabilizing shoulder seams - and others - with a twill tape or with Elastin will help keep them from drooping. 

Trisha

[motherhendoula]

Boucle would be beautiful - but it may be bulky.  I would try JoAnnes - they usually have 50% off one item coupons and try a reasonably priced wool.  The only other thing i could see would be a Damask - but sometimes that stuff is hard to find - AND is less stable than wool - it may drape if your not super careful how its cut out.

good luck with it - its a pretty jacket!