Dear pchong,
Roohide jackets, eh? I don't recall having encountered any, but this may be because the usable area of a hide is fairly small, especially when compared to cowhide, for example. This is probably why the Australian method of cutting lace came into being, to get the most use out of the leather.
However, I do recall having seen some beautiful Hermes 'blouson' type jackets that were made from lambskin. I don't know how big the average lambskin would be, but I doubt that it would be much larger than the average roohide.
Roo would make an excellent jacket, but I suspect that you would need to find a specialist leather tailor first, which could be quite a feat in itself. In addition, you would need to have fairly deep pockets, because the job would use up quite a few hides.
A roo hide is roughly triangular- not the most convenient of shapes- and for plaiting, the usable leather is cut from the largest possible circle in the centre of the hide. The leather from the edges of the hide is usually quite soft and elastic, and therefore useless for plaiting, although it has several other uses. I don't know what techniques leather tailors use.
Nevertheless, such a garment is perfectly feasible...indeed, it might make a very interesting project for any Loungers who are interested. I think you're on to a good idea, as the jacket would be beautifully supple, especially after a little wear, while still being very strong and light.
I can supply the contact details for Packer Leather, a tannery which can supply virtually any hide to order. In addition, J.H. Cutler is a bespoke tailoring firm in Sydney and has an excellent reputation- I'm sure they'd be up for the challenge.
All together now...
"Style good, fashion bad! Style good, fashion bad!"
Until next time
Mark Trist
released a few Australian possums in New Zealand a few years ago, and now, as is the wont of introduced beasties, they are overbreeding maniacally and causing a real ecological problem for our Kiwi friends.