This is a great tute. I can imagine how difficult it is to post on dial up. I already sewed my liner and outside pieces, but have not sewn them together, is it too late for me to do this? I saved a tute about adding a separating zipper that can be added after the tote is completed. I didn't save it in youtube though so I can't share it, I think I saved it in files on my other PC.
In the denim purse I'm sewing -- loosely adapted from a Bowtucks pattern -- I sewed very strong magnets into the top of the outside (lined) part of the purse. The two sides will snap together, hope they still do once I get the lining in there.
I also have a metal tape measure I may use on another pocket to help it snap shut. I modified the pattern when I sewed actual pockets on the outside from jeans, and created several measured pockets on the inside to hold my "stuff", sort of like a kangaroo insert.