Looks good and good luck with the paniers! As rootboy mentioned most machines can't handle sewing excessive thickness or leather. If you don't want to hand stitch one can often "hand stitch" with the machine by turning the wheel. Usually faster and more consistent than hand stitching.

I've posted some of these before, but here are a few bags I've made:



Higher res and progress shots:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/6496674...7638588198245/