I have an Eastman B-15 and I find the alpaca to be quite itchy as well. Even if I wear a long sleeve t shirt it irritates my skin, somehow through the t-shirt.
Be careful with soaking the lining so water does not reach the inner side of the leather. Vicenza leather is not as water repellent as FQHH (your jacket is a vicenza right?).
As for relining ask the guys at Aero what would be warm (and thin) enough: melton wool, harris tweed, quilted nylon or the heavyweight Strome Lochcarron.
I have a Buzz Rickson’s B-10 ( not the Eastman one...a BR B-10 hand-picked in Japan).Yeah, it is the Vicenza. Some of the water did reach the inner side of the leather, but it seems to have dried out. I wouldn't recommend the hair conditioner treatment tho, because it didn't make it any less itchy. Again, this jacket should be able to withstand being soaked. I know it's not great for a leather jacket, but like I said, I wear my clothes hard and beat them up.
Also wanted to add that the fact that your pet bit you after you were wearing the jacket is quite telling about the way the this alpaca is produced. Seems like a really bad supplier
I'm both a little intrigued and equally a little confused by this?
Hair conditioner?!
I have a feeling we'll be seeing another 'my jacket mysteriously shrank' or 'my jacket's color drained out of it for no reason' thread soon.
I'd suggest wearing those Nike or Underarmour long sleeve moisture wicking top underneath your cotton shirt or tee. I think it helps prevent the hair touching your skin through the cotton fabrics and will keep you very warm.