Just finished this tote for a friend's 50th birthday. I used a pattern from Kati Cupcake called "My Favorite Bag". Bag stands up and does not flop over which I really like. I added some extra pockets (one zippered) to the inside lining. The embroidered "A" is a University Font. Did the "A" on both sides of bag. Used fabrics that were samples I got (for free) from a local furniture store that discards them when the fabric has been discontinued. Just call and ask them to save them for you when the sales rep comes to pull them. This is definitely not a beginner project as the pattern assumes you know a "lot". I plan to teach this at the Threads of Love conference in 2014. Great bag.