I took a class to make this tote , the instructor also had us so the elastic for the side pockets. I made one for travel and one for a diaper bag for my daughter in law. The one thing I did do is have my fabric quilted by a LA gal before cutting my pieces for the bag. Its still my favorite bag....
That's a great idea to have it quilted first! I may have to do that on my next one, which, coincidentally, is, like yours, going to be a diaper bag for my step-daughter. I'm so excited to go choose the fabrics!