This one made my day.
Jason - i like the attitude. Good job....but if i was making something like the thing you made, i would try the following:
- marking the lines & points of needle entery with a small piece of chalk before sewing, so you won't have any surprises as to the shape of the outcome:)
- doing a double stitch
- folding the edges of the material twice (to the inside), so no twines will unravel
The easiest and the most esthetic method of doing the work, would be with the usage of a sewing machine. It would be a great help to you if you could get your hands on one.
Cheers.