Sorry to post over myself, gang... but I'm going to anyway.

I got SOooooooo close, but the fates have conspired against me. I cracked the eye on my last needle just a few short minutes ago, so 'ol #5 won't be finished until tomorrow.

Here it sits right now, incomplete, for want of a needle.
Front - sans the snap strap and final saddle stitch (which isn't visible in this shot)


I've made a few small revisions to the pattern and construction to use on the next version of this bag that I think will aid the overall fit and finish.

Back

You can see the 1/2 completed saddle stitch here on the edge trim (which has yet to be dyed, as I want to finish the stitching first and dye ALL the edges at once.

Top Edges

I'm not sure just WHAT happened to the colour in this shot, but it's pretty good for showing the rows upon rows of stitches (along with the unfinished rear stitch).

One thing that drives me round the twist is crooked seams, so I spent roughly 3 hours doing my level best to make sure that not only are the stitches all on line, but that they are in balance with the edge trim, both front and back. Luckily, setting the second thread of the saddle stitch should be less of a task.

Ah well, I guess it's time to put down the tools and pick up a tumbler of Laphroaig. Maybe watch a bit of World Cup.