DIY A-2 after a year of wear

[dmar836]

So looks like I finished this at the end of Feb, 2014. It's been my main jacket since, except for the summer months of course.
I am not afraid to abuse it but I certainly DID NOT do any HWT, roll in any dirt, drag it under a cinder block, or do any other fake "time-worn" trick.
This amounts to just over one calendar year of real-time service wear. I DID work on cars and motos, work on planes(even a little light polishing but generally don't want it ruined), fly, and do anything else one should do.
The oil-pull hide has it's limitations but I like it for one years wear so... just wear them hard! Here are a couple quick iphone pics. Low res as Photobucket wouldn't load bigger today.

Dave

 

[FlyingYankee]

Looks really good, not much wear to see but the jacket fits you perfect. Are you planning on any other projects?

 

[Vcruiser]

Strange..I don't see any fit pics...

 

[dmar836]

I had all sorts if fit pics when I finished it("Ambitious A-2 Project" or similar).
These were just to show normal wear.
Dave

 

[Andrew]

The fit pics are in Dave's photobucket folder. Click on either of the two images to nav there...

Looks fab too by the way.

 

[STEVE S.]

nice work!!

 

[Vcruiser]

Thanks Andrew. Found them.
Van

 

[a2jacketpatches]

I was impressed then and now. Must feel good to say I made it myself.

 

[watchmanjimg]

Looks fantastic!

 

[dmar836]

Okay, so Linda snapped a few at the airport Saturday. Here's your "fit" shots!
Dave

 

[Peter Graham]

Wow, really impressive. It drapes just like an original. What label did you sew into it ?

 

[dmar836]

Thanks Peter. That means a lot!
The tag is a 27752 though the pattern was from the prewar 18091. I did use OD thread but used cow and an M-42 Talon. Got lazy and never installed the hook. Found it and the rivets on the workbench last weekend.
Seriously considering making another but I have no shame in this one - it's done all I've asked and worn in like an original IMO. Too many and they'll never break in!

Dave

 

[Peter Graham]

Seriously considering making another but I have no shame in this one - it's done all I've asked and worn in like an original IMO. Too many and they'll never break in!

Wise words Dave, but you can make me one if you like.

 

[Nickb123]

Something else. You made that? Good job.

 

[dmar836]

Yes sir. Clown collar and all!
Thanks,
Dave

 

[Smithy]

That's just awesome Dave and it looks to be getting better and better with wear.

Nice one.

 

[Marv]

Just install the Hook and Latch and it will feel like new jacket again.