She uses notches on her patterns (squares cut out on the part that will be the bottom of the bag), and puts some of them together differently than I have done. She does start out with rectangles of fabric though, and cuts out the notches. I am kind of pattern challenged anyway - but I didn't know how adding 2 inches to the length and width would affect those notches (if at all).
Judy the Sewer - thanks for the encouragement with zippers! I am determined that I am going to put one in the next purse/tote I make! I have had it in my mind that they are difficult, and have a hard time picturing how it works putting them in.