The perfect-for-me bag/purse/tote
 

It would have 'some' pockets - but not too many, because then I am digging through all of them to find my cell phone and/or keys.

The pockets would be 'deep enough' but 'not too deep' - don't want that phone hopping out - but don't want it hiding at the bottom of the pocket, either.

A zipper - want to keep things contained if the purse gets dropped or flying off the car seat

Size - big enough to hold 'my' essentials - but not so big that my shoulder aches after carrying it around for five minutes.

Cleanable - ever have chocolate melt in your purse? Or a kid throw up on it?

Handles - straps - I prefer to carry it over my arm -my sloping shoulders make shoulder bags slippery

I will probably have to make a dozen or so before I get it 'almost right'

I've had a couple of bags that came close to 'my perfect' -

Anyone else get frustrated with trying to find 'the right bag'?

I know exactly what you mean. When I find the right design in a bag/tote/purse it always is in a fabric or design that I would not be caught dead carrying.

I really like the bow tucks! You can put as many (or as few) pockets in it as needed.
You can customize it to your liking...with fabric you love!! :)

As far as I know - they don't have a zipper closure - just a flap that buttons or snaps???

I have a bag that is just perfect for me. Not too big, with a designated pocket for the phone, and one for money, plenty of room for cards, zipper closure and a nice long strap so I can sling it around my body leaving my hands free. (I only use this type of bag since putting my hand held one down at work one day and finding someone had made off with my money and credit card.) But sad to say my perfect bag is now so shabby I am embarrassed to take it out. I am though deconstructing this purse so I can use the bits as patterns to make me a new bag.

Isn't there a tute on the Qb for a bow tucks that someone added a zipper to?
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...er-t64427.html

I found one that i had bookmarked. Hope this helps.

Have you tried the Con-ver-table purse. It has an insert with a zipper that you can remove to put in a different shell. http://pursepatterns.com/index.php?m...roducts_id=470
I added pockets to the outside of my shell.

Here is the bag I made, you might consider "Sweet Retreats Little Sister".
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...n-t190625.html

I love purses and totes...have way too many to count. But if I decided to buy a purse I have rules...
1. Must be light weight when empty because once it gets loaded up it could be heavy.
2. Must have a light interior. Dark fab lining is like walking in to a walk in closet w/o a light turned on.
3. I love and it and don't have that color, style, or size at home. (3rd)rule is a tough one.

I looked at your post - nice bag - it does have most of the features I'm looking for. I also looked at the 'how to' that was also on that site - looks fairly doable.