Where to get suede... any help?

[Muad'Dib MD2B]

David's Wolverine jacket project got me interested in getting one for myself. Alas, $450-$500 for a jacket is something I can't swing right now. So, I'm working on making my own from a much cheaper (and still nice, but not completely screen accurate) jacket I was able to get off eBay.

So my question is: where would you guys recommend looking for some nice suede hides? I'm in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area and didn't find anything in the phone book under "leather" that looked promising. Would a taxidermist be a good place to look into? I'm interested in the X2 version, so I'm trying to find gold and red colored suede (still debating about whether or not to include the brown suede around the torso stripes).

I've seen lots of suede hides available on eBay, but I'd prefer to purchase it in person if possible, so I could get a better idea of the color, texture, thickness, size, etc.

I'd appreciate any help.

-Chris

 

[Drunken Boxer]

You might want to contact members of your local SCA - they might have a line on a good supply of cheap hide. But if you just want suede, check to see if you have a local fashion district where you can get fabric for cheap.

 

[SmilingOtter]

There's a Leather Factory in Grand Rapids...

 

[Muad'Dib MD2B]

Both excellent suggestions, thanks much, guys.

I may be out in the Kalamazoo area in a week and Grand Rapids is only 45 min from there, so I may check out the Leather Factory.

Thanks!

-Chris