I took it on a shop hop with the same Q-P friend, and her remark was "She just brought it so she could show it off.
I love most Laurel Birch fabrics, & found the Focus fabric as a 1 yard remnant. The pattern calls for more, so I did have to adjust. I have other fabric (putting it mildly) that I could have used, BUT, I wanted the tropical for the trip to see our Son in Hawaii. Yes, I have gotten many compliments on it, and I appreciated them. However, I made ti mostly for my convenience.
As far as the hand stitching holding up for Misty's Mom, yes, I could carry it still, BUT again, I made sure that it would not fall apart by going over the seams a couple of times.
Oh, and another thig I added was the metal tabs on the bottom, however, I think the purse is too big for them to have much impact on wear and tear.
Thanks for the compliments, and Happy Quilting.
Susan