Sew Saturday: weekender travel bag

Have you had the pleasure of making the Weekender Travel Bag by Amy Butler? This is #7 for me, I believe. It gets easier the more you do. I don't even have to look at the directions any more which helps cut down some time. My first few used to take about 10 hrs from cutting to ironing on interfacings and sewing and inner and outer piece. This one took me more like 8 hrs. I did skip the side pockets that belong on the outside. I think it would look better with them. I regret not adding them. But I have yet to add piping. I don't think I ever will. The Weekender looks great with or without the piping. Do you skip any steps in patterns you purchase?

xo steph