faux furs

[Ser Niall]

I'm making m'lady a new outfit for next year's ren fest season, and she really wants a fur lined cloak to go with it.  Does anyone know of a good source for faux fur?  I looked at Joann's, and the stuff they carried either looked very fake, or was too thick to use as a lining.  I'm looking for something that would be like rabbit fur, soft with short hairs.  I figured some of you must have used furs in the past, and would be able to share your experience.

Also, are there any special techniques or tips for sewing with faux furs?  Does it sew just like any other fabric, or would I need special needles and/or thread?  Is this something that is machine sewable, or must it be sewn my hand?

thanks in advance!

[isabelladangelo]

Rather than faux fur, I've used cutter furs - old fur coats that can't be repaired but still have some good fur in them.  I've taken the coats apart and I'm planning on using them to line the skirt for a remake of a Tudor styled gown this winter.   Remember, cut on the "leather" side so as to not cut the fur incorrectly. 

If you really want fake fur, check out some of the typical online shops and ask for samples.   I've seen what looks like some decent ones at fabric dot com but you can't be sure until you actually see them in person.

[Adriana Rose]

Etsy has some really nice sellers. The "fur" that is on there goes from raver colors all the way to it looks like the realt thing. Just keep in mind that faux fur is stinkin expensive.

[Adriana Rose]

Oh and cut it outside. If you think glitter is the herpes of arts and crafts faux fur is its evil twin!

[Aunty Lou]

My experience of faux fur = thick, but warm (Man-made fibers!), cut from the back, give the fur a trim in the seam allowances, use many pins to keep it from shifting.  (Worse than velvet!) $$
My experience with real furs = Thrift stores have been getting fewer, and jacking up the prices. (Mink shortie jacket, not in the best condition was $50!)  Also, cut from the back, trim the seam allowances, and use a triangular-shaped needle meant specifically for leathers...$$$

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

I like Isabella's idea of using real furs. I have seen old, out of style fur coats and such at Goodwill of all places.

I recommend a Fur Knife with very sharp blades for both real and faux fur. Do cut on the skin or back side. Never use scissors when working with furs. The fur ends up looking like a bad shag haircut and sheds all over the place.

I have a Tan Mink Coat that was given to me. I am planning to take it apart to use as trim for a  Short Wool Cloak and  the rest for a Hand Muff.

[Dinobabe]

Also look in the "junky" antique shops.  I'm amazed sometimes at what I can find for cheap!

[isabelladangelo]

I buy all the cutter coats off of ebay.  There is a guy in Canada that sells a ton of them.  You can also get a lot of pelts as a lot on ebay.  It's not cheap if they aren't used but it's not ridiculous either.