Just wanted to let you know that you inspired me to start a CW. I am doing the Eddie method but using the machine for the first part and hand sewing the flaps together (I do use double thread because I want this to stay together) and hand sewing the windows in with a blind stitich. I am thinking that this will take me a long time to do but will be worth it. (My grown up son was visiting and saw what I was sewing and thought it was just beautiful! He usually pays no attention.)
Unfortunately I have now hurt my sewing hand (left) and cannot do any sewing. But I will keep reading this for hints.