I finished constructing it yesterday and was able to wash it today. I had one seam blow out-- 1/4" was a little optimistic as a seam allowance-- but it otherwise survived.
The top handle access is a giant bound buttonhole. I was following directions from The Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing (one of the 1970s editions) and started looking at the page opposite partway through construction. This did not end very well, but I like the little patches on top and the decorative stitching as a cover-up.
The shorter side panel has two purposes: letting me keep the sewing machine plugged in without the cover getting all bunched up, and, when flipped, letting me keep the extension table attached without the cover getting all bunched up.
This cover should survive better than the non-woven freebie I got with my machine.
This was really fun to do! I see more quilting in my future.
