Well after all that (see last post) I ended up starting over anyway as when I finished the first purse I decided I needed to make a couple of minor changes to the pattern (top flared out just a little too much) and while I was at it, a couiple of color changes as well.  Very happy with the finished product and will post a picture after I finish blogging this.  I'm eager to start on the next project:  another purse, in a completely different style, but equally cute, I think.