Do It Yourself A2 Jacket

[Narodnik]

Thanks guys!

I dont have the capacity to produce jackets for sale really, though Im flattered.

What I will do however is post the jacket patterns and autocad file and maybe even illustrate the steps of making your own jacket. For whoever wants a go.

Though I must say one really starts to appreciate the finish you find on GW and the like when you have a go yourself. In materials and labor it sure is cheaper with a goodwear!

A week in Scotland sounds great really!

The goatskin would do perfectly. Ill hear around.

This jacket and pattern will by no means be an exact replica of any contract. Itll be my own version more or less. When I say perry sportswear I mean the rounded collar, collar stand, lack of inset sleeve etc. I want it to have some root in reality, but it the end its just for personal use

Thanks for the interest, guys! ill update soon.

 

[Smithy]

Hei og velkommen Narodnik. Kjempegodt jobba med jakken din. Lykke til med resten av prosjektet!

Hils Tim

 

[Narodnik]

Thanks Tim!

Okay you guys here is a big update.

My updated pattern and the resulting jacket:

Fully lined with the same construction principle as the originals.

I didnt bother with eupalets on this test jacket, but the seam is pushed backwards to make them centered on the shoulders.

Had to put the zipper on backwards because the sliders was mirrored for some reason.

Pleased with the fit, although this test fabric is way too thin.

IMO the perfect lenght.

the classic a2 pose...

 

[Narodnik]

On another note Ive even got the leather settled. I got a hold of some great 1.2 mm veg tanned goatskin with aniline finish! Its great in every way and im very pleased.

darker brown knits and a matching triple marked talon.

Nice grain variation!

I might just tighten the end of the sleeves in a bit, but other than than Im pleased with the pattern. I have of course adjusted for the leather thickness compared to the thin cotton.

Recently I also acquired a singer 29k58 sewing machine for leather. All I am waiting for now is for the 16/4 cotton thread to arrive and I can start. The sewing machine sews great and produces more or less a "goodwear" finish.

I will be updating as the jacket is being made!

 

[Worf]

Thanks for the update. You're a braver man than I!!! I also think you scored well on the hide! My sausages (fingers) aren't made for that fine work, although I do build my own computers.. hmmm..

Worf

 

[Smithy]

Blimey, you're going to have one bloody nice A-2 if it's going to resemble the fit of that latest test fabric jacket. I'm always amazed by guys who make their own leather jackets as I just wouldn't have the patience let alone skill to even know where to start. Well done :eusa_clap

 

[ButteMT61]

Blimey, you're going to have one bloody nice A-2 if it's going to resemble the fit of that latest test fabric jacket. I'm always amazed by guys who make their own leather jackets as I just wouldn't have the patience let alone skill to even know where to start. Well done :eusa_clap

What he said! Well done, and thanks for posting up your work in progress. That's really cool - I'm a big fan of "how it's done".

 

[nick123]

The guys next door were having a garage sale and were selling a sewing machine for a ridiculously low price. I thought to myself,
"I'll never be as good as Narodnik" so I passed it up.

 

[ButteMT61]

The guys next door were having a garage sale and were selling a sewing machine for a ridiculously low price. I thought to myself,"I'll never be as good as Narodnik" so I passed it up.

Yeah, but you coulda been the first guy to make prom dresses here lol

 

[nick123]

Yeah, but you coulda been the first guy to make prom dresses here lol

Now presenting, "The Aeromateen"

 

[Xenophon]

I'm envious of people who have the skills and talent to do things like constructing garments from scratch! It'll probably not save you any money given that you also have to source the material in limited quantities but it will get you a totally custom made product that's exactly how you want it to be. Congratulations, looking forward to seeing the finished product!

 

[schitzo]

I'm looking forward to this too.

The fit on that test cotton one is exquisite and the goat you found seems perfect. Generally I don even dig A2s, but this one looks like it'll be sublime. Good luck

 

[rocketeer]

Brilliant idea, I'd have a go too if I had the time. As others have put forward, I would start with a basic (ie: cheap)A2 in your size, then take it apart and work from that. I know one maker that went that route, I think Ken at Aero must have used an original for measurements and worked that way when he made my jacket.
Your cotton version looks great also and I think even Raph L makes them so there could be a new jacket maker in the line.
Keep us all informed.

 

[Narodnik]

Thanks for all the encouragement on the project. I hope that with this, the pattern especially, people will be inspired to try something like this themselves.

Anyways I need some help with the jacket construction. Is the top of the waistband connected to each other? anyone out there with a proper A2 should know. Is it possible to pull the shell and lining apart right where the waistband start?

The latest test jacket was in the "A" configuration, but for the final I need to know.

thanks in advance!

 

[handymike]

Narodnik, That is fantastic!!!!!
Where on earth did you come up with that great old Talon Zipper?

 

[Narodnik]

Thanks!

Got it from http://www.mash-japan.co.jp/oversea/cgi-bin/plist-eng.cgi?cno=4

As well as the snaps and knit cuffs

 

[handymike]

Wow, what a great supplier...
Thanks!

 

[Scott_Craft]

It is definitely connected.

 

[kampkatz]

Just thought I would add my encouragement. You have the potential for making an excellent A-2 repro.
It is a privelege to follow your progress. Your spirit for a challenge is inspirational!:eusa_clap

 

[Narodnik]

Because of an exchange year in germany I didnt have the time to finish the jacket this summer, but during the holidays I finally did.

There is still some hardware left to put on, Im waiting on some tools, but the sewing is complete. At the moment Im missing the underarm vents, the collar hooks, to fully attach the snap buttons and the leather hanger.

Sorry for the delay, folks. The fit is very comfortable. Couldnt be more happy with it, although I know a lot of you prefer it more roomy.

Thanks