Thank you for the suggestions. The lining was an after thought as I progressed, I already had the pockets glued on at that point. I hand stitched the cover, no machine at my house to play with. Felt like I should be able to stay straighter but still had a hard time of it.
The color of the thread was a personal choice, even my wife questioned me on that one.
And you are right, a magnetic closer might be easier but I kinda liked the idea of the deerskin ties.
Thanks for your thoughts, I may learn something yet.
Tim