You're welcome, I hope it works out for you! Sometimes the straps are really there just more for decoration, the top mostly does a good job of holding it up on its own. But I hope it works! I would also put something on the ends of the straps when you detach them, just so they don't unravel. Dritz's Fray Check works really well and you can get it at Michael's and other craft or fabric stores:
http://www.dritz.com/brands/showcase/details.php?ITEM_NUM=674
Thanks for the info...and encouragement.