This is a UFO (unfinished object) that Mary "inherited" from someone she knows. What we see in this picture is all that she has - the start of the project - there isn't even a pattern to go with it!
Mary was a little concerned about the asymmetrical top closure but several of us who saw the UFO in person thought it was a nice touch and would make the finished purse more interesting.

Mary, we can't wait to see this when it's finished - it will be a lovely dressy bag!