FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Banyan for an English Magician
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Model is @alancornett on Instagram
Outline the story …
My entry was inspired by Mr. Norrell from the novel "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell" by Susanna Clarke. My dad has always loved books and reading, which created a connection between him and the infamous English Magician. In the book, Mr. Norrell has become a "practical" magician of his own volition, having studied for years using books. His library of magical books is the center of his entire life. In quarantine, I fell into a Norrellite way of life. I read books, never left the house, and avoided socialization like the plague. My favorite thing to do was to curl up in a bathrobe on the couch to read, do schoolwork, or watch TV. That got me thinking: what would Mr Norrell wear when at home? Thus, my Regency banyan project was begun. The floral and leafy patterns in the bedspread felt magical and mysterious, just the thing for an English Magician, and just the thing to keep warm in quarantine.
Outline the construction…
I made this banyan out of secondhand materials for affordability and sustainability. A matelasse cotton bedspread is the top layer, and it's lined with 100% silk salvaged from curtains. I started this project using the Reconstructing History banyan pattern, but soon figured out that didn't fit my fabric well, and switched over to a free pattern from LACMA made from an extant original (https://www.lacma.org/sites/default/files/module-uploads/M.2007.211.797_LACMA_pattern_proj.pdf). I had to resize this pattern to fit my model, and had to make a few changes (adding exterior pockets, a different-shaped collar, and button tabs) to make it fit more to the Napoleanic style. This resulted in four complete mockups, along with an additional two sleeve mockup (six total). This was the first garment I'd ever made with sleeves, and the sleeves were definitely the most challenging part. I ended up using American Duchess' "Drafting Sleeves" and button videos to help. The garment is entirely handstitched for historical accuracy and dorm-friendly sewing. The only part not hand stitched was the edge of the cuffs and pocket, which was made from the already-finished edge of the bedspread. The hat was self-drafted.
This is wonderful! I love the vine motif of the quilting and the button tab closures, so cool. It almost reminds me of 60’s mod, but also feels at home in the early 19th century. It’s so fun, great work!
Oh how lovely! I almost made a wizard (well, wizzard to be precise) themed banyan myself, and having seen yours I feel extra inspired to make it in the future. The matching cap is so good!
I love how the product balances practicality with the fantastical! Great concept and well executed!
I love your matching cap!!! Great work on the jacket.
I saw this from the main page and thought, “That has to be Mr. Norrell!” so you’ve definitely nailed that! Your dad makes a very good English Magician and you make a very cosy and northern-looking banyan 🙂
Wow, it looks as good from the inside as the out! Love the fabric, very good job!
Great work. Love the story that goes with the banyan.
So cool, love your entry- the colour is brilliant!
Lovely! I love the closure on the front.
This looks well made and oh so comfy! These fabrics are a PERFECT choice and I love that you used upcycled materials! Well done, and Horaay for your button holes especially. (I am still afraid of those!)
I could definitely see Mr Norrel wearing this while bent over a book. And hand stitched as well? Impressive work!
well done, this looks amazing! so much love went into this, it really shows ♡
Beautiful garment, and top-notch problem solving! That challenge with the pattern would have stopped so many people cold. And I can absolutely see Mr. Norrell wearing this, and grumbling about visitors at the door, and Childermass rolling his eyes. 😀
Your take on Mr Norrell’s banyan is wonderful! It’s surprised me to learn this is your first historical garment. Well done!!
a banyan is on my todo list – this is great inspiration
those closures are fab!
Fantastic work and I love that there’s a matching hat!
Okay, well this has to be my favorite. This is such a nice piece. I need that hat! I love that color as well! Thank you!
Oh, what a splendid banyan. The cap is delightful. Bravo!
This looks exactly like what a wizard would wear at home.
I wouldn’t have noticed that those were your first sleeves.
It looks fantastic and so cozy!
Very good!!