I like both bags & especially the quilting done on Mama's tote. Very nice & I'm sure she'll love it.

I do the box x stitch on handles as Paper Princess described. In a tote meant to carry very heavy loads, I covered a piece of webbing (a strap notion at Hobby Lobby). It was heavy duty but so easy to stitch on. I enclosed it inside my usual
handle design.
I love the idea of the buttons. Will add those to my avatar tote. Now, I will put those on the outside of the tote so they touch the floor, desk or whatever it sets on, right? Will keep bottom cleaner also and more germ resistant??
I make envelope bottom. If meant to carry heavy load I get craft wood piece and cover it. Makes a very nice firm bottom, but removable for washing. Also, I spray all my totes I keep or sale with Scotchgard to prevent so much dirt and help clean it when the time comes.

Where at on the bottom are you placing these 5 buttons? Corners and? Or?

Thanks,

Derla, your totes look AWESOME! I especially like the one with the butterflies

Thank you again for the compliments, that makes me feel so good! These tips are great too and I really appreciate them.

I did get another order for a tote from my Grandma, lol*, so I am working on hers this evening. I hope to make a few extra dollars too and it's fun to boot! ;)

The one thing that made the sewing of the tote easier was my walking foot. What a difference that made!!!

For the bottoms of all the purses/totes that I make I use the corrugated plastic that signs are made from. I went to my local sign shop and asked if they had scraps that I could buy. He gave me a big armload of various sizes for $10. They are lightweight and rigid.