Other articles by Kim Ossi:

Zach Braff has one funny Web site MapMyRun.com will do just that

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Shopping — usually a nice escape — is downright depressing these days (thanks, gas!). So what to do now that picking up a new bag isn't as easy as cutting back elsewhere in your budget? Create your own awesome bag with "Simply Sublime Bags: 30 No-Sew, Low-Sew Projects" by Jodi Kahn (Potter Craft, $19.95).

With the added benefits of keeping you occupied at home (no wasted gas here!) and simultaneously saving you from the evils of retail (especially in this market), you'll end up with a bag that you — and your friends — are going to love. Go ahead; let them be jealous of your fantastic one-of-a-kind style. Unless they have a copy of the book themselves, they'll never know your cute tote is fashioned from a pillow case . . . or a shower curtain . . . or a place mat.

The book is organized by bag type and size, and each pattern is labeled with an icon that alerts you to whether the pattern is no-sew, hand-sew or low-sew. There's also a recycling icon, which means you can repurpose an old item for the project. And, of course, the author also offers readers a "project skill level" icon. Heed the icons, folks. They are all-knowing.

Some of our favorite patterns are the "Barneys bag," which is featured on the cover of the book and a level one (aka the easiest) project and "nights in black satin," a no-sew project using satin ribbon and eternally useful duct tape.