Ode to Diva on a Dime (& a Call for Testers!)

Can you help test my new pattern, the Diva Envelope Clutch...?

A dozen or so years ago, there was a TV show based in Canada called Diva on a Dime.

The premise was for the two hosts to take an "inspiration look" (i.e., a designer outfit) and replicate it using everyday options that didn't cost thousands of dollars. Their solutions sometimes involved tailoring similar pieces, but most times, it was a matter of knowing where to look and how to find it.

As a consumer who eschews designer pricing, I loved their innovative ways of achieving their goals. (For example, a chain belt that came with one very expensive designer outfit was replicated by going to a local hardware store and buying a cheap length of steel chain!)

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Several weeks ago, I came upon this "inspiration look" on eBay...

image courtesy of eBay...

Sometimes there's no explaining why, but I was instantly drawn to it... and wanted to make one myself. (Interestingly enough, it's not even expensive to buy. Prices vary, but I've seen one eBay seller offering it for $6.87 US with free shipping.) It's made out of vinyl, but as soon as I saw it, I knew I had the perfect fabric for recreating it: one of my Robert Kaufman far east selections, Oriental Traditions 14207-91 Floral Multi. The pattern is quite large and totally suited for something like this.

Running with the Diva on a Dime concept, I committed to coming up with my own design using this as the inspiration. (And of course, the result would be named after the show!)

The idea, however, just simmered at the back of my mind for awhile. Then last Saturday afternoon, I grabbed my notebook and began to draw some pattern pieces. Before long, I was testing out the process with an old bed sheet...

Muslin version of my Diva Envelope Clutch...

Less than 24 hours later, I had my own version of this envelope style clutch all sewn up. (When I kick myself into gear, sometimes it's an extra high gear!)

While obviously not a difficult project to sew, it wasn't a totally intuitive pattern to figure out. I wanted this to be used as a portfolio — for paperwork, file folders, manila envelopes, etc. — so a typical (and easy to execute) loose lining that could potentially pull itself out every time something was removed was not the way to go.

The inspiration version is loaded up with rivets all around and closes with a magnetic snap.

Close up view of grommet trim and tuck lock hardware...

Last February, I snagged a set of ten tuck/push lock closures that were being offered at an unreal price: $4.96 US. (I've recently seen similar quantities being sold for $36!) Not being a fanatical purse maker, they were still sitting around unused, so wasn't this just the perfect opportunity to showcase one of them?

Not being big on "biker-esque" application of rivets, my version of the project is decorated with small grommets instead. These had been purchased for a past project, but were totally the wrong size, so it's great that they can finally be put to use here.

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To give an idea of size...

Of course, the options are endless as to how one can personalize the decorative aspects of this, but I'll leave that up to all of you to decide.

The Diva Envelope Clutch finishes up at 13" wide x 9.75" high (33cm x 25cm). To confirm, it is big enough to hold file folders. (Actually, it is even capable of holding my large waxcloth folder.)

Unlike the inspiration version, the interior of this clutch is unadorned to allow for easy insertion and removal of contents.

Detail of back zipper...

Of course, we all like pockets, so I did go with a fair sized zippered pocket on the back. For the first time, I used zipper tape (from a recently purchased 4 metre roll) and attached one of my zippiest zipper pulls to it.

(Muslin ) interior looks like an envelope...

The back of the inspiration version has a couple of tabs to attach a strap — turning the whole thing into a purse — but that wasn't my intention with this item. (As I said earlier, I saw this as a non-gender specific portfolio for carrying or organizing papers, not so much a purse.)

Another difference between the two is that my version actually looks like an envelope when you open it up; the inspiration version has a straight top edge under the flap.

Not having put out a pattern for sale in awhile now, I'm happy to say that this one has been written up as my next release.

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Wanna help test?

But now I'm in a bit of a bind... I need testers to help ensure that my very quickly whipped up pattern is good enough to be put out there. If you consider yourself an experienced beginner and want to test this pattern, I would welcome your involvement.

Ideally, I'd like to have this ready to go before mid-January, so I'm looking for people who can turn this project around within the next five weeks. Check out my specific requirements here if you're interested.

UPDATE: I have filled my tester positions so will not be needing any more at the moment. Thanks for your interest! PDF pattern is available here if you want it.