Don't keep us in suspense. How did you modify the lining?
I am not a seamstress and this may not be proper way but it works for me. I make my lining and outside tote by sewing them on three of the sides. Turning your outside tote to the right side. Now place the wrong side into the tote this will leave the right side of the lining with pockets showing. Fold the top of outside tote down and the inside lining back toward the tote. Take your handles and button loop, place them between the lining and the out side of the tote. Sew close to the lining top all the way around and you are done. I hope you can understand this. Look closely to the picture you may be albe to see how it looks .