Misook type of fabrics

[Sassy]

First I apologize because I don't know what it's called, so I don't know what to ask for! I know that misook is a specialty custom type of fabric -

But I reaaaaalllllly like the heavy duty knit as it travels very very well and I do a lot of travel at times - but I very much dislike the price .....

So - a couple of things -
1. what "type" of fabric am I looking for - is there a specific name?
2. does anyone have a brand they've worked with that they would be comfortable recommending?
3. I guess when I get the type of fabric I'm looking for it will be easier to search for good reference books/sites etc, but if you have places to start, it would be much appreciated!

Many thanks!
Sas

[lessalt]

I am very familar with Misook as my aunt was a fan plus I see their pieces when I am at Nordstrom's Rack. I have never seen that very heavy knit but imagine it to be a double knit of some kind. Then, of course I haven't looked for it either. I am a fan of knits as I do travel a lot also but I tend to go a little lighter. Michaels fabrics just had an offering of Jones New York knits which were very nice, a nice weight, fairly light but substantial. However, the fabrics were a little too pastel for my taste, especially for travel I tend to go dark.

[susee]

I'm also a big fan of Misook and have a closet full of it.  I've wondered if it was possible to buy the fabric they use, but I've never seen it anywhere.  There are a couple of other brands that use a very similar fabric, but theirs is not as substantial as what Misook uses.  The Misook website calls it a "scientifically advanced synthetic yarn."  I think the key would be to look for a 100% acrylic knit fabric, but I don't know of any particular name for it. Misook probably has the fabric manufactured to their specifications.  Many of the early Misook clothes were made from an acrylic/rayon blend, so that might also be a possibility to search for.

[vtmartha]

This is interesting as I've never heard of Misook.  I had a lovely 'high end' (for me  ) suit in the late 60's made from a very substantial knit.  I think mine was wool but I loved how heavy it was and wore it frequently.

[Sassy]

Yes, the misook fabric is custom and you can't buy it anywhere - I just wasn't sure what the "type" of fabric is called... there may  not be a name? Other than searching for specific blends. Chico's also has a type of fabric I like, as well as St.Johns.. was hoping there was a name to look for!  I guess the simplest thing to do is head to a decent fabric shop and start looking.

Thanks susee and lessalt for the suggestions on the acrylic and acrylic/nylon blend and Jone's knits... - I did look at other clothes I have to see the makeup of fabric..  will let you all know if I come up with something that works!

happy pre-thanksgiving!
Sas

[MINI]

For those who haven't encountered Misook's RTW, here is a link to her corporate site.

http://www.misook.com/about_the_clothes/index.asp

You will notice that the "Yarn" description is not informative - this is a proprietary product that the designer has very successfully defended fron knock-off by other garment manufacturers.

Nice for her, but unfortunate for home sewers:).  I wish there would be something similar for us, but I haven't found it yet. I have seen some retailers' descriptions of the fiber content, but wonder if they are accurate, because acrylic, nylon and several other fibres are mentioned. I think they are just guessing like the rest of us.   

The only way I can think of to find this fabric would be to ask vendors who carry high quality left over fabric from manufacturing runs.  Maybe the folks at  Michael's fabrics  might have some ideas.

[MasoumaRose]

I was at Nordstrom Rack earlier this week and I examined a number of her items.  I was really surprised the by the stiffness of the knit fabric that she uses in many of her garments. I'm guessing that part of the stiffness was the result of  sizing that would wash out.  I remember thinking a couple of things:  this fabric would wear never wear out, I would probably NOT buy this fabric if I encountered it at a fabric store (on the hangar, it didn't feel nice), and yeesh!  those garments were expensive!