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Headwind Aviatrix

mtrlr

One of the Regulars
Messages
259
mmexport1587251393051~01-01.jpeg

Headwind Aviatrix capeskin jacket for my wife.

The jacket was ordered in early December, and just received it today. A total of 5 months, much longer than I expected.

When I picked up the box at the post office, it felt so light I was concerned that it would be some flimsy mall jacket. It does not feel flimsy, but very light. But I think she'd rather have it light than heavy.

The fit is pretty good, although a little tight at the chest, but that's more my measurements problem than Headwind's issue. Hopefully it will stretch a bit with time. She won't have room to grow, but her body shape had not changed much since we married 23 years ago. Hope she can continue like that for the next 20 years :)

The jacket is lined with Tartan wool, the Royal red with the chestnut leather looks really good.

Overall, the work is good quality, and Jay had been very responsive, and gave really good suggestions. There's a little imperfection at the upper left corner of the left pocket, and a little in the right armpit, but I think we can live with it.

She's happy with it, so that's good. I never had capeskin jacket before, so I don't know how it will age. Would be interesting to see the results after two years. Hope it will age like the one Amelia Earhart had.
 

Skyhawk

Vendor
Messages
359
Location
Portland, OR
Looks great! I have to say that the fit is really close to Amelia's jacket in that famous photo:
amelia2.png

The Capeskin is very supple and flexible. It should loosen with wear and break in quickly. I will post some additional photos below that I took before I shipped it out.

Regards,
Jay
 

Skyhawk

Vendor
Messages
359
Location
Portland, OR
This jacket was the result of years of research. I have compiled an extensive collection of rare photos and documents which helped to nail down the all the finite details of the jacket. Most notable are the fantail Talon hookless zipper, handmade style button holes, under arm gussets, vintage long style cuffs, One piece back, and single stitch lines at the wrists, neck, and bottom. It was a very enjoyable research project with some great "Ah-Ha!" moments.

Here is one of the few photos where a gusset could be identified:
AAI Details.jpg

Here we have a good view of the handmade button hole:
amelia-pock-2.jpg

This photo shows the Talon Fantail Style Hookless zipper:
Zip-2.jpg

This photo was a great help with the pocket flap shape:
download (24).jpg

The jacket had horn buttons identified in this photo:
Horn-Button.jpg
 

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