Kim, Was the stuff your LQS suggested called Peltex or Timtex? I have used that in other projects and it is really stiff. I just finished a mini- Bow Tuck bag and used fusible fleece in it. The only place I am not happy with the fusible fleece is up near the top of the bag where it seems 'saggy' to me. I was thinking about trying some of the Peltex just around the top the next time I do one. Is it worth the money? I really can't say..but I guess it is, if you want something you are going to be happy with and use. I would hate to spend the time/money making a bag and then just leave it sitting on a shelf because it didn't turn out the way I hoped it would.