How to soften leather jacket?

[BelleDameSansMerci]

OK, so before you all fall about laughing pleeeeeease try to understand that I am completely stuck in the 80s...

I have a jacket quite similar to this which is an exact replica of a USAF WW2 flight jacket. I love it. It's warm and wonderful BUT it's made from really stiff leather and I need to find a way to soften up the patches sewn over the tops of the arms. If I wore it loads, it would soften up but I can't drive very well in it and it weighs a ton so it's not very manoeuverable.

So, now you've (hoping) finished snickering, does anyone know how I can soften it up please?

I'd try a pair of aviators and a long white scarf

Patchouli oil? Saddle soap? Leather conditioner? Linseed oil?

Have heard rumours that all of these things work, but have no proof

I think you need something like this:

www.stablemateuk.co.uk/buy-on-line/neatsfoot-oil-500ml/prod_19.html

LOL, MadreInglese!

Oooh, thanks tethers - may try the linseed oil. Will give the patchouli a miss as it will remind of 6th form parties I'd rather forget (and am now remembering snogging "rocker" type at friend's party and then having to pretend I was hung up on someone else when he asked me out. He liked Barclay James Harvest ffs).

Someone on my pouffe thread told me that camel and cow dung work a treat. Do you need to borrow a small child for the purpose, or can you supply your own?

Oh, of course, Plum, I should have thought about equine stuff!

run it over with the wheels of your car a few times

that should soften the fucker

BOF!! I can supply a small child but I may have some difficulty sourcing camel dung. The cows in the field opposite may come in handy though... Off to the zoo at the weekend then!

AF - I did actually think of that! I also wondered if my nana grandmother still had a mangle but apparently not... Thought that would do the trick.

you could try chewing it with your teeth then...

mmm

nom nom nom

Oooh, and wanted to tell you AF, that I had most of my hair cut off today - a good six inches at least. Obviously not relevant to present discussion but am all pleased with result! I've gone for Katie Holmes "bob".

oohh, I bet you look all chic and fab

and the nails ? Are they up to scratch ?

I think I look fab (oh so modest) but heaven knows what it'll look like when I have to style it myself!

The nails are perfect... Had them done last Thursday so they haven't gone all outgrown and needing in-fills yet.

Sadly, the tummy is a little, ahem, wobbly following too much chocolate; curry; pizza; pasta; etc but I'll soon get rid of that. Or I'll buy a girdle.

did the painters arrive, btw ?

Sh*t! Yes. Sorry! Can't believe I didn't update you. You can bet I'd have been whining away if they hadn't...