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| My Diva Envelope Clutch pattern is ready! |
After sending out a call for testers, I took it upon myself to make another test project and used what remained of my beige Robert Kaufman Satsuki Japanese Flower fabric (used as the lining for my Summit Pack).
For this one, I tested out an alternative closure (a magnetic snap) and threaded some found ribbon through the grommets to add some interest.
Is it just me or does the use of the tuck lock closure really make the bag??
The Diva Envelope Clutch was designed to be a portfolio rather than a purse, although it is infinitely usable as a clutch (and therefore is so named). It's handy as a carry-all for going out to meetings, for keeping your annual income tax documents together, to safeguard your paper sewing patterns, to stay on your desk as a way to organize your incoming paperwork... I'm sure you can come up with all kinds of practical applications for this. I have taken to storing my waxcloth folder that carries my zen doodles in mine.
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| Back view of the Diva Envelope Clutch... |
Changing up the type of fabric used makes this a versatile item for all ages and genders. Make it in a heavier darker material and it would definitely be "guy appropriate"... as you will see with one of my tester's versions. (In fact, as proof of how common this design is used by males, do a search on "envelope portfolio for men" and check out the results.)
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| Interior of the Diva Envelope Clutch... |
Without the bold accent of hardware showing on the front of this version, I thought it looked a tad bland until I found just the perfect scrap of ribbon to thread through the grommet holes. Now I'm thinking that there are other things that could be threaded through to bling it up, like beading or small chains... unwanted necklaces, anyone?
Anyway, let's take a look at the fab results of my testers. (For more info on their projects, click on their individual links.)
Daryl at Patchouli Moon Studio told me up front that she didn't have a tuck/push lock set, but I was happy to have her test out a magnetic snap since I anticipate that some people may opt for this more easily accessible closure.
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| Love the colour coordinated accents on Daryl's first Diva... and of course, her signature use of batiks on her second version produces striking results as usual! |
Daryl added her usual unique touches to the project... such as the requisite zipper pull, the popping flower applique and then the second version in a patchwork batik fabric pieced together from scraps. (Apparently some lucky friend got that first one as a birthday present last month. The second one she kept for herself!)
I've long been familiar with Maria of Mia's Creations from her pattern testing for Christine Welsh. (Her most excellent work is very recognizable.) She took one of the suggestions that I had in the pattern to change up the side panels of this clutch and came up with this variation.
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| Mia's home dec fabric shines in this rendition of the Diva Envelope Clutch... |
Mia sews with an an "industrial strength" machine, so was able to add fleece and regular fusible interfacing to her upholstery fabric.
She also subsequently altered this pattern, turning this one into a (larger) laptop bag.
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| Mia's hacked Diva... |
Pam from Threading My Way came to my rescue to test for me again and produced this fine looking Diva...
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| Pam's cheery rendition of the Diva... |
Pam's version closes with a traditional buttonhole and button. I'm happy to report that this little Diva will soon be going away with her owner on a quilting retreat. Love it when projects are useful!
These next two results are meant to inspire you to greater heights with this pattern. Verna (who blogs here), worked in tandem with her daughter Gigi on her first testing experience. Here is her take on the Diva... for a guy!
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| Verna's Diva Envelope Clutch for her son-in-law... |
As the pattern designer, I breathed a major sigh of relief that this highly customized version turned out so well! The exterior material is cork, trimmed with dark brown faux leather accents (no interfacing). And as you can see, the various rivets add a touch of "masculine bling".
But Verna & Gigi didn't stop there. Here is another heavily hacked version that is unmistakably feminine...
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Verna and Gigi continue their creativity with the Diva... |
As you can see, the options are many and varied with regards to the closures on the Diva Envelope Clutch. Be adventurous and come up with your own unique take on it.
A big "thank you" to all of my testers for helping me launch this pattern!
The PDF for this pattern is 30 pages long, with full-size templates, detailed instructions and over 50 photos to help you create your own Diva Envelope Clutch. Measurements are provided in both metric and imperial.
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| Sample pages from the Diva Envelope Clutch PDF pattern... |
How Big is this Thing?
The finished size of the Diva Envelope Clutch is approximately 13” wide x 9.5” high (33cm x 24cm). The interior is large enough to hold file folders and manila envelopes. Even if you're only a little bit adventurous, it should be fairly easy to upsize or downscale this pattern to make it just right for some other purpose.
Who is this Project For?
I would say that you should be an experienced beginner for best results. This project is not inherently difficult, but it would help if you’ve successfully completed a simple lined bag and have installed zippered pockets before. If you can be patient and follow instructions, this project actually comes together quickly and easily.
How Long will this Project Take?
There is a bit of cutting and interfacing to do first, of course, but the construction part could take you as little as a couple of hours. Even if you’re comparatively slow, if you start in the morning, you will be done by the end of the day.
What do I Need to Make this Project?
Requirements for this project:
- 1/2 yard of main fabric
- 1/2 yard of lining or accent fabric
- 3/4 yards or metres of Pellon 809 Décor Bond (or similar) fusible interfacing
- 9” or longer zipper (#5 size if you can get it)
- Tuck/push lock set
- 6 small grommets
- Thread, pins, clips, seam ripper, scissors, marking pen, ruler, rotary cutter and mat, iron, etc.
If you can wait for me to send it to you (within 24 hours;
please check your SPAM folder if not in receipt after that time),
use the PayPal button below to purchase this PDF directly from me:
If you want immediate access and don't mind paying a higher price,
you can purchase from my Makerist Shop.
NOTE: Due to the nature of digital products, all PDF sales are final and non-refundable.
TERMS OF USE
If you are "sew" inclined, feel free to make and sell as many Diva Envelope Clutches as you care to; I only ask that you credit me and this blog by attaching the following card to the item.
Wow!!! I'm in good company, Rochelle. Really shows the versatility of the pattern. Congratulations on another fabulous pattern.
ReplyDeleteI love the other tester versions! Got me thinking of more possibilities. Thanks for letting me test and much success with the pattern sales.
ReplyDeleteAll the versions look fantastic. Its always nice to have a pattern that can be addapted if wanted. Good luck with the pattern
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