I am just in the process of making this for the first time. I just did the handles, and I can see that your way seems a lot easier. I did it the way the directions said---and used my walking foot and it worked fine--but seems rather *puffy* for a handle.
Well, I am off to do some more---hope to get it finished today.
If I do, I will post a picture. Mine won't be as co-ordinated as yours as I am just using what I have in my stash.