I made a tote in my sewing 101 class in 1998...nothing fancy, just to learn the basics of sewing and how to use the different commercial machines... Used it for two years as a purse...we all know the trauma/abuse our purses take.... used it forever as a book tote ... still going strong with absolutely no sign of wear....when it get's grungy, toss it in the washer with the towels or blue jeans (it's black) and it look brand new :).... yea, I say they hold up...