This was my first handbag with a top zip. I think the twill fabric bottom goes well with strips of batik for the top and straps. I also used #59 embroidery stitch on the outside pocket and the back. (this twill fabric wore out quickly so I made another bag using a lightweight canvas)
I created an inside pocket by folding a polka dot cotton fabric (about 11 inches long by 10 inches) in half lengthwise, finishing the edges and sewing two vertical seams to make 3 pockets. 2 of the 3 pockets are a bit narrow and can only fit an eyeglass case. For a regular size pocket, make the seams 4 1/2 inches apart, for a narrower eyeglass case pocket, make the seams only 4 inches apart.
The Pocket on the outside of the bag came out a bit too large so next time I would cut the piece of twill 14' by 7".
The biggest error was the placement of the straps. I sewed them in measuring only 3 1/2 inches from the edge of the top piece. This causes the bag to sink in the middle when you lift it by the straps. Next time I would measure in 4 1/2 inches so that there is only a gap of about 5 inches between where the straps are sewn into the seam on each side of the bag. It would also be better to make the straps longer.
