Trying to make a bag

I attended a workshop at the Embroiderers Guild recently. It was to make a handbag - one that has inside pockets, one of them with a zip closure, an outside pocket (two if you wanted), a zip closure and that will hold A4 folders.
The class was run by one of the members who has experience in the tailoring industry. This meant that she used terms that meant something to her but nothing to me - context and prior knowledge being so important (my teaching of reading coming in here). She was also very strict about being accurate!

The class took two days, a week apart with plenty of homework to do in between. I had to ring her to check some details but successfully made myself a bag. Not that I finished it in the two days, I had to do more once I got home. Unusually for me, I actually went on with the work after the classes. I was determined that this was not going to be yet another UFO.

Having done plenty of quilting classes where you learn a technique while making a block, then go home and make another block by yourself, I realised that this is a very good idea and I should make another bag while it was still fresh(ish) in my mind.
In the meantime, I have attended two other quite demanding workshops that I played around with afterwards also. Therefore it is quite a while since I made the bag.

The teacher has gone overseas, so I couldn't ring her this time! No safety blanket for me.

It took me several days, longer than I had hoped, partly because the sewing machine stopped working and had to go for a service.

One part of the instructions said to do it as the teacher shows us - and she's overseas!!!  And I can't remember what she showed us.  After sewing and unpicking one section FOUR TIMES, I finally gave up in disgust and went to bed.  Just as I got to the bedroom I had the thought that I knew how to do it - but I was strong and didn't go back to try again, I left it till I had had a good night's sleep - and got over my frustration.

Not having much experience with sewing zips, I was very grateful that we still have the manual to show how to attach the zipper foot. It wasn't at all obvious to my inexperienced eyes.

You wouldn't think this little section could have caused me so much trouble.  It took me five goes to get the zip in properly.

I really should try again, see if I can make it in a reasonable amount of time but I can't see myself doing it in the near future.  I had so much trouble with a couple of aspects that I am pretty sure I will remember how to do it properly next time.  I hope so anyway.

The two bags.