Used cotton yarn as I believe acrylic would stretch too much when being used. I added a cotton cloth lining to the inside of the purse and the underside of the handles to add even more stability.

Used magnet closures made for purses instead of Velcro.

Switched to sz. H hook on rows 10-29, and the handles, as it was difficult to grasp the stiffer cotton yarn with the smaller hook.

I worked the handles differently:
Chain 60
Four rows, sc.

12 mm animal safety eyes

I sprayed the purse with Scotch Guard for fabric. (If using plastic eyes, cover with Vaseline to protect them.)