I think your idea of making "patch" pockets to match the outside is a marvelous idea and much easier than remaking the bag with interior pockets. I was asked to make a Bow Tucks bag for my DIL's mom, and she requested 2 outer pockets instead of one and also a zipper closing on the top. I had to do some research online about adding zippers and it came out OK, but after making her bag with 2 outer pockets I made a Bow Tucks bag for me and I put 2 outer pockets and I use them both all the time.