Related Clues:

• Lawrence's material band
• Became vaguely aware of (something)
• Considered material
• Fingered material
• Touched and pressed cloth
• It's reckoned to be suitable for a fedora
• Fingered woolly material
• Those starting further education, little Tommy thought
• Distinguished name in garden suburb
• Was conscious of
• Sensed; material
• Was acquainted with Steinbeck's last novel
• Touched cloth
• Felt, tasted, etc
• Presumably had already read Steinbeck's last novel