I really love how easy this pattern is, the quilting takes the most time but it is worth it. This one I did not do as much quilting on and feel that the bag is not as stiff as it could be so the next one I will break down and quilt. My first two are quilted a good amount and it gives the purse some substance to it.
I have made a few changes and find that following the directions is the only way to go! I did however use a 2 1/2 inch strip of fusible fleece for the handles and not the full 5 inch. I fold my fabric in half for the handle and then open it up and fold the side in half to the center fold and then place my fleece in there. Then I fold the whole thing in half again and stitch down both sides and then the center. It is a very sturdy handle. Any more than that and it would be too much for my machine to handle.