Yes, according to the pattern that’s where we are. Step five is simply sewing the handles together, so I’ve saved you the photos of me squinting over my sewing machine.

Step 6 is attaching them to the main panel. And it’s here I realise that my centering wasn’t quite as accurate as I thought, so the handles will be slightly off. Never mind – this is exactly the reason I’m making myself one of these first. (Amazing what defects I will put up with when it’s for me.) The other thing is that, although I love this velvet, with the fleece and interfacing on the back, plus the folded over handles, it’s getting a bit bulky, and needs a bit of a shove to get it moving. I think next time a home dec weight will be easier to work with, especially considering the limits of my machine.

Isn’t it amazing what a bit of sewing can do? All I’ve done is attach the handles and sew this strengthening cross and suddenly I can see how the bag will be when it’s finished.