I had a similar experience a couple years ago...a clerk mistook my purse for a Vera. I am just a purse/bag freak...I like Vera's, I like the ones I make, and I like those I find other places. When I make my own purses/bags, I do want them to be quilted and to hold up well. I used a type of stuff in the last bag I made that is similar to 'headliner' used in automobiles. I got it at the LQS I go to. Very nice stuff.