The Weekender Bag - It's finished!

After a final four hour sewing session, my overnight bag was finished! I absolutely love it and I'm wishing I had somewhere to go besides the grocery store.

It's very sturdy (but I would like to add more interfacing at the bottom) and the peltex was easy to work with -- no puckering. It helps the bag to bow out which rounds out the seams, giving it a softer look. All the seams were manageable (not too bulky) by pre-trimming all the seam allowances. The piping seam should have been slightly wider -- my zipper foot kept sliding away so there's an occasional gap between the piping and seam.

An elastic edged side pocket was added for a water bottle (until it's confiscated by the FAA).
My favorite part is that it can open like a suitcase. The little flaps (can't think of another name) and the back lining is padded so it can also hold a laptop. Because of the additional zippers, there are exposed seams (which are covered with bias tape).
Project specs:
Pattern: my own
Fabric: Amy Butler Lotus (olive lace work and lime moon dots)
Lining: espresso brown twill
Size: humongous (maybe 20 x 12 x 8 at its largest)

Now to modify it for a smaller size!