The classic B-3's flight glove reproductions available online are wrong, just wrong. I have never owned a pair but whether from Garcia or elsewhere, they are all incorrect compared to the originals not only in style of construction but in assembly technique as well. I know this may not matter to most as those B-3s may be quite functional.
To my knowledge there are no groups that critique AAF glove repros like we do the A-2 yet I was disappointed to see that the methods of old are apparently lost. Well, I cannot see a practical way to assemble them correctly with the equipment I have(beyond the scope if this) BUT, alas, the A-11 gloves are doable with standard equipment.
I have a great pair of A-11s (seal color) with fourchettes(gussets between the fingers) in a contrasting color(russet). Mine have no OD webbing straps on the back but are elasticized instead. They are still right as rain and I thought I would pattern them in a size 9-10. Functional as-is, I extended the fingers about 1/4" to make them fit a bit better. Hey, why not make this harder?
Like the B-3s, the A-11 has a thumb that runs all the way down to the cuff - one place where the replica B-3s are wrong in construction.
Issues: The elastic makes patterning the palm side and thumb a big challenge. The thumb is quite different than any pattern I've ever seen so I bet I will have several iterations before it's right.................if the fire lasts(....... please last!). Also, the fourchettes, usually a separate "V" between each two fingers, are here a continuous piece but retain the necessary "V" shape at each finger's web and also gradually taper to each tip so this will be an odd shape piece for sure and will be trial and error... lots of error.
It's amazing that for something so thrown together back then, we can't/won't reproduce the techniques today.
BTW, the single malt was necessary at this point for what should be obvious reasons.
Like I need more projects,
Dave
P.S. The backdrop is new pig - not for the gloves but for my B-1 sweatbands. It's about sewing season again!
To my knowledge there are no groups that critique AAF glove repros like we do the A-2 yet I was disappointed to see that the methods of old are apparently lost. Well, I cannot see a practical way to assemble them correctly with the equipment I have(beyond the scope if this) BUT, alas, the A-11 gloves are doable with standard equipment.
I have a great pair of A-11s (seal color) with fourchettes(gussets between the fingers) in a contrasting color(russet). Mine have no OD webbing straps on the back but are elasticized instead. They are still right as rain and I thought I would pattern them in a size 9-10. Functional as-is, I extended the fingers about 1/4" to make them fit a bit better. Hey, why not make this harder?
Like the B-3s, the A-11 has a thumb that runs all the way down to the cuff - one place where the replica B-3s are wrong in construction.
Issues: The elastic makes patterning the palm side and thumb a big challenge. The thumb is quite different than any pattern I've ever seen so I bet I will have several iterations before it's right.................if the fire lasts(....... please last!). Also, the fourchettes, usually a separate "V" between each two fingers, are here a continuous piece but retain the necessary "V" shape at each finger's web and also gradually taper to each tip so this will be an odd shape piece for sure and will be trial and error... lots of error.
It's amazing that for something so thrown together back then, we can't/won't reproduce the techniques today.
BTW, the single malt was necessary at this point for what should be obvious reasons.
Like I need more projects,
Dave
P.S. The backdrop is new pig - not for the gloves but for my B-1 sweatbands. It's about sewing season again!
Best of luck; looking forward to the see the result.
