I got a pattern for a purse in Des Moines at the AQS show and later showed it to my mom. She promptly informed me that "all the others mom in her coffee group had purses like that!" and then, went on to tell me that it would make a great Christmas gift. I thought that if I missed a "hint" like that, I would be in trouble so I made her one. It was the first purse I've ever made and I am happy with it. I used a decorative stitch in the top half and a batik in the bottom of the purse.