I had the opportunity to work on my Bag of Talent swap bag some more and am happy to report…. It’s done! (no peeking Amy!)

Aside from using the cutting dimensions, I did not follow the directions on the website. The more I looked at them, the more I didn’t like the way they were written (I didn’t even see mention of what the seam allowances were, however from doing the math, it’s 1/2 inch). However, after “winging it”, I wish I would have just done it the way the tutorial described – I made myself a few issues during construction that I had to figure out (which contributed to the fact it took me longer to make this bag than what it should have). The biggest problem? Bulk. The material (twill and denim interfaced with a woven) combined with the Insulbrite created very bulky seams – especially around the zipper which made it very difficult to topstitch. If I had it to do over again, I would trim the Insulbrite (and Timtex\Peltex that the tutorial calls for when using quilting cottons) close to the stitching after construction.
Overall, I’m really pleased with the outcome. In fact, I’m wishing I could keep this one for myself! Next up, a small drawstring bag for my partner and then it’s time to work on some clothing just for me!