SpitfireIV
New in Town
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- 38
Hi all!
First post here, but have been enjoying many of the threads and incredibly envious of many of the beautiful jackets on display here!
I've taken a recent interest in the French Cycle jacket, alternatively known as the 'Luftwaffe' jacket as of late.
(Bartender Edit: Photos removed at the request of the original owner.)
I must admit my early impressions of this style of jacket was formed way back having seen Battle of Britain and the stylish jackets the dashing young Luftwaffe were parading about in!
A little research shows they may have taken liberties in the costume department! Anyway, I needed something to wear on those cool days in my own 'Spitfire'
Looking about at reproductions (couldn't afford an original if one did come up!) I quickly determined that I wasn't going to find a decent replica in my price range either, despite that, many on offer didnt have the cut or fit of the original I believe, ie slim cut and sitting very high on the waiste.
So what does one do in this situation? Well, you try make your own.....right?
Having zero experience with tailoring but some little time on a sewing machine under my belt but certainly not afraid of a challenge or the opportunity to learn something new I set about finding a suitable donor jacket which I'd either butcher or turn into something fantastic!
I came up with a black half belt made by 'Chippie' in France, this one caught my attention as it was relatively cheap, reasonably plain and had the two (if somewhat low) slanted breast zipper pockets. Was in my size of course, small, 18 inch shoulder, 21 inch chest and 21.5 inch arm....perfect.
Quality of the jacket isn't the greatest really, there seems to be a mish mash of hide thicknesses, but its weighty and has a beautiful old leather aroma off it. I'm guessing 60's vintage perhaps?
Given the low quality and that I couldn't find anything about the history of the jacket or maker I had no qualms about getting stuck in with a scissors....
To be continued...(it gets better, I promise ;-) )
First post here, but have been enjoying many of the threads and incredibly envious of many of the beautiful jackets on display here!
I've taken a recent interest in the French Cycle jacket, alternatively known as the 'Luftwaffe' jacket as of late.
(Bartender Edit: Photos removed at the request of the original owner.)
I must admit my early impressions of this style of jacket was formed way back having seen Battle of Britain and the stylish jackets the dashing young Luftwaffe were parading about in!
A little research shows they may have taken liberties in the costume department! Anyway, I needed something to wear on those cool days in my own 'Spitfire'
Looking about at reproductions (couldn't afford an original if one did come up!) I quickly determined that I wasn't going to find a decent replica in my price range either, despite that, many on offer didnt have the cut or fit of the original I believe, ie slim cut and sitting very high on the waiste.
So what does one do in this situation? Well, you try make your own.....right?
Having zero experience with tailoring but some little time on a sewing machine under my belt but certainly not afraid of a challenge or the opportunity to learn something new I set about finding a suitable donor jacket which I'd either butcher or turn into something fantastic!
I came up with a black half belt made by 'Chippie' in France, this one caught my attention as it was relatively cheap, reasonably plain and had the two (if somewhat low) slanted breast zipper pockets. Was in my size of course, small, 18 inch shoulder, 21 inch chest and 21.5 inch arm....perfect.
Quality of the jacket isn't the greatest really, there seems to be a mish mash of hide thicknesses, but its weighty and has a beautiful old leather aroma off it. I'm guessing 60's vintage perhaps?
Given the low quality and that I couldn't find anything about the history of the jacket or maker I had no qualms about getting stuck in with a scissors....
To be continued...(it gets better, I promise ;-) )
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