Arctic fox find! Advice needed.

[jimbo75]

So, last weekend I picked up two arctic fox pelts from a secondhand clothing shop... They had been fashioned into one of those awful hand warmer things.
anyway, I've been looking for some arctic fox to make a fur ruff for my parka, so imagine how over the moon I was to get two (poor things were sewn together) for only 15 quid!
The only snag is... When I took it apart tonight I found it had been made in 1914!
hence the skin/leather is quite fragile.
i will probably mount the fur on fabric before attatching it to the hood. Does anyone have any advice on prolonging the life if the skin? Maybe a silicone...
I'm gutted, as I hate the idea of buying new fur. I hope I can pull this project off?

 

[Toddy]

I was asked about this not long ago, and found a clear bit of advice to quote to my friend.

"Conditioning a Fur Jacket

Although best when done by a furrier, one can also condition the leather of a fur jacket at home. To do this, start by removing the lining from the jacket. To make the conditioner, one needs:

Oil, such as mink oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil or neatsfoot oil,
and a Mild Acid; use either white vinegar or spirit vinegar

Mix one part vinegar and two parts oil in a large container. Shake or stir vigorously, and then use a clean cloth to dab the conditioner onto the inside skin of the coat. Hang for a few days, allowing the vinegar to evaporate along with any odors and the oil to sink into the skin. "

I'd try it on a small bit first, tbh.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[Lizz]

That's very timely - I've just been given a rabbit full length fur coat to make into a jerkin and other fun stuff and was wondering how to look after the skin. Thank you...

 

[jimbo75]

It's going be a salvage job I admit. I already had to throw away the legs head and tails. Poor bugger. Unless anyone here wants the off cuts?

 

[jimbo75]

They also had a beaver pelt in there for about 15 quid!

 

[Dave]

I watched a programme once, where a fella was repairing an old hide, and he had to spend all night rubbing in layer after layer of his 'solution' so the hair on the other side didnt fall out.