Have you seen the new Amy Butler sewing patterns? I’ve been eager to purchase some of the new Midwest Modern prints (I'm quite proud of my restraint, really), and I adore this birdie sling. (A girl can never have too many bags, right?)

BUT, can I actually make the bag? I know how to use a pattern, but I’m not very good and usually give up half-way through a project--as you all know, I’m the queen of lazy sewing. So the dilemma is: Do I buy some fabric and the pattern in hopes of one day completing the bag? Or do I just wishfully think about it and focus on the more likely and practical projects at hand (e.g., chair makeover, vacation mini album, painting the kitchen, etc.).

I guess I would dub myself the Queen of Lazy Sewing. I'll do anything to save a little sewing effort (fabric glue, anyone?). I always pick up random things like napkins and placemats and tea towels to use "sometime later" on some sewing project. I love repurposing already-sewn items for other projects--and I admit it has much more to do with lazy sewing (all those already-finished seams!) than going green.

My latest lazy sewing project: ipod cases. My husband and I--owners of an ipod nano and classic respectively--are getting ready to go on vacation, and both ipods are long overdue for cases to prevent scratches, etc. I cringe at the $20 even a simple case requires, so after a quick glance in the bin of random fabric, I decided to whip up these two matching cases, made from ****tail napkins I got at Pier 1.

I didn't even bother to change the red thread in my machine since no one whould be able to see it (I told you--so lazy!). All I had to do was cut two of a napkin's sides down to size, fold the napkin over, stitch up the two open ends, and tunr them right side out. (Here's a hint: Use one the the napkin's already-finished seams to serve as the top of the case.) I added some stick-on velcro and voila! super simple and done!

Check out how I repurposed another napkin, some placemats, and a flat sheet into home decor items in the Sewing + Fashion blog.

If you flipped through the photo gallery or stopped by the Sewing + Fashion blog, you’ve taken a peek at the curtains I made for my bedroom (they're actually part of a pair). So I thought I’d share my trick for making super simple curtains (aside from using fabric glue, which is another story).

Okay, here goes: My trick for making super simple curtains in a flash is to use a flat sheet. To make mine, I cut a sheet from HomeGoods in half (a whole full sheet set for $35--and now I have pillows to match!), and hemmed the cut side as well as the length to fit my window. (It’s even easier if you make panels—only one side to stitch up!). Now, here’s why I love using a flat sheet: You don’t have to fold over and make a pocket for your curtain rod—it’s already there. Just whip out the seam ripper and open up the top corner where the sheet is folded over and sewn (I can’t think of a name for it, but it’s what makes flat sheets look neat and pretty):

Fold over and stitch the edges on both sides just to keep them from unraveling. Stick in a rod and you’re done. “Sew” easy!