Pet carriers

[naelany.livejournal.com]

Has anyone ever made a pet carrier before??? I saw some in the shops for more money then I can reasonably afford, and got to thinking that maybe I could make it myself, using mainly materials I already have, like old jeans. At least for the outside that is. I've got 2 cats and I already have one plastic carrier, but it's only big enough for the smallest of the two (she's not going to grow anymore, so I don't have to worry about her outgrowing it). However, my male is far too big for it, I had to put him in it once and he was thuroughly miserable in it.
What I'd like is to make one with a zipper openening in the front, and then an opening in the top as well, duffel-style. Please keep in mind, I am a novice sewer, my hubby however does have experience and I have a great mother-in-law who I'm sure would lend me a helping hand should I need it. Does anyone know where I could find a pattern for something like this???
Many thanks for your input.