My son noticed every female we are related to or acquainted with received Terri Atikinson's Zippy Bags from me this Christmas. It took him awhile to say anything, but yesterday he said, "Ahem, Mom, you know those bags you have been making?"
Turns out, he figured he could use a couple of them too! His idea was that I should make him a zippered case that his new Kindle would fit into. He has a leather cover for the device, but thought an additional layer of padding would protect it even more. He had a couple of fun bandanas that he thought would be cool fabric to use, so I didn't even need to raid my stash.
I measured and calculated the size I would need. You all know that isn't my strong suit. Well, my first effort was a great looking little bag, but way too small for the Kindle to fit into it. Not sure how I went so wrong, but it must have had to do with me not counting the zipper opening measurement as my critical starting point….
No problem, he loved the little bag and said it would be perfect for something else. And he just happened to have another black and red bandana!
My second try is just right for the Kindle. I would have made it just a half inch wider, but I was out of bandana and had to work with what I had.
Moral of this story: when you are making crafts projects such as these little zippy bags, don't forget the guys in your life. You can always switch out the fabric for a more masculine look. I begged him to let me make little red polka dot yo yo daisies as an embellishment, but he wouldn't hear of it.
Big party for Ahren this weekend to honor him for getting an advanced degree in Computer Science! Stay tuned on Monday for a very cool surprise. Shhhhhhh. The first person to guess it will win a layer cake from me!
80 responses to “Guys Like Zippy Bags Too”
Oh, Nicole, is it an engagement announcement! If so what a wonderful year ahead with a new grandchild to plan for as well. Fun, fun, fun!!
The bags turned out great, I hadn’t thought of the men either.
Oh, Nicole, is it an engagement announcement! If so what a wonderful year ahead with a new grandchild to plan for as well. Fun, fun, fun!!
The bags turned out great, I hadn’t thought of the men either.
Oh I think that the girl friend will be hiding out for the big party this week end. Because Ahren isnt expecting her to be there. What fun.
Oh I think that the girl friend will be hiding out for the big party this week end. Because Ahren isnt expecting her to be there. What fun.
He has a JOB!! in Ireland!!!!
He has a JOB!! in Ireland!!!!
A engagement/wedding announcement is the only guess left I can think of!
Great bags! I actually made my SIL a Snap Happy bag for him to use inside his gym back to keep his wedding ring, keys etc. safe. I didn’t think of a bandana (great idea) so I used dog tracks.
A engagement/wedding announcement is the only guess left I can think of!
Great bags! I actually made my SIL a Snap Happy bag for him to use inside his gym back to keep his wedding ring, keys etc. safe. I didn’t think of a bandana (great idea) so I used dog tracks.
I may have read this wrong, but I think you’ve made him a special quilt for graduation. Whatever, congratulations! What an accomplishment! Know you are proud!
I may have read this wrong, but I think you’ve made him a special quilt for graduation. Whatever, congratulations! What an accomplishment! Know you are proud!
HOw nice he wanted you to make him a bag too!
hmm a graduation date on monday?
Kathie
HOw nice he wanted you to make him a bag too!
hmm a graduation date on monday?
Kathie
Maybe you’re going to Ireland to get him settled in and meet the girlfriend’s family? I would have guessed that the girlfield is coming to the party but someone already guessed that!
And I know what you mean about the men wanting our crafts too. My brother one year at Christmas complained that he never received a blanket from me. I told him maybe he’ll be surprised one day. I had already made him a crocheted blanket for his present that year! I know he was happy to receive it knowing the time I spent on it.
Maybe you’re going to Ireland to get him settled in and meet the girlfriend’s family? I would have guessed that the girlfield is coming to the party but someone already guessed that!
And I know what you mean about the men wanting our crafts too. My brother one year at Christmas complained that he never received a blanket from me. I told him maybe he’ll be surprised one day. I had already made him a crocheted blanket for his present that year! I know he was happy to receive it knowing the time I spent on it.
Yup, me too – the first time you mentioned surprise I thought – how nice hie girl friend is coming for the graduation.
Yup, me too – the first time you mentioned surprise I thought – how nice hie girl friend is coming for the graduation.
That is a fabulous idea!! I love the fabric too. I’m going to look at the measurements and see if it would fit an iPad. I have a leather cover too, but think the added protection would be nice.
That is a fabulous idea!! I love the fabric too. I’m going to look at the measurements and see if it would fit an iPad. I have a leather cover too, but think the added protection would be nice.
I was going to guess his sweetie was coming from Ireland and then I was going to guess a special graduation computer theme quilt, and now I wonder if it’s a web-cam so you and he (and the rest of the family) can keep in touch face to face!
When I finish these UFOs, I really much try your little zippy bags. They are too handy!
Happy Friday!
Hugs!
I was going to guess his sweetie was coming from Ireland and then I was going to guess a special graduation computer theme quilt, and now I wonder if it’s a web-cam so you and he (and the rest of the family) can keep in touch face to face!
When I finish these UFOs, I really much try your little zippy bags. They are too handy!
Happy Friday!
Hugs!
I bet that you are flying in his Irish sweetheart to celebrate with the family!
I bet that you are flying in his Irish sweetheart to celebrate with the family!
Whatever the surprise, you seem so beyond happy it has to be wonderful! I’m guessing it has to involve Maryann but I’m torn between having her at the party or you getting to go to Ireland to meet her family! Have a great week-end and we’ll all be right here waiting to find out the secret!! Congrats to Ahren on his graduation!
Whatever the surprise, you seem so beyond happy it has to be wonderful! I’m guessing it has to involve Maryann but I’m torn between having her at the party or you getting to go to Ireland to meet her family! Have a great week-end and we’ll all be right here waiting to find out the secret!! Congrats to Ahren on his graduation!
I’ve been trying to finish quilts for my guys, but for some reason they always fall onto the back burner 🙁 And congrats to Ahren for accomplishing his goal. My youngest son has just started college this past fall in the same field. He LOVES it! I hope he can stick with it for the long haul. And surprises?? A house? a daughter in law?? A trip??? What could it be 😉
I’ve been trying to finish quilts for my guys, but for some reason they always fall onto the back burner 🙁 And congrats to Ahren for accomplishing his goal. My youngest son has just started college this past fall in the same field. He LOVES it! I hope he can stick with it for the long haul. And surprises?? A house? a daughter in law?? A trip??? What could it be 😉
Hi Nicole,
Looks like 2011 will be a banner year for you. Somehow our children’s accomplishments radiate joy back on us parents. End of one chapter for Ahren, the start of another. An engagement announcement often follows those graduation steps. Several possibilities for your family to share the joy.
Hi Nicole,
Looks like 2011 will be a banner year for you. Somehow our children’s accomplishments radiate joy back on us parents. End of one chapter for Ahren, the start of another. An engagement announcement often follows those graduation steps. Several possibilities for your family to share the joy.
too cute. that was like my son when I made a bunch of fabric boxes, he could use one too. So I made him one in orange, his favourite colour. I am guessing you have made him a fantastic quilt!!
too cute. that was like my son when I made a bunch of fabric boxes, he could use one too. So I made him one in orange, his favourite colour. I am guessing you have made him a fantastic quilt!!
Ok, I’m thinking (along with everyone else it seems) that it is an engagement announcement.
Ok, I’m thinking (along with everyone else it seems) that it is an engagement announcement.
I’m sure someone has already guessed the surprise so, I’ll just hope it all comes true…’cause it all sounds like fun. Congrats to Ahren! Will be checking in on Monday. Have a great weekend.
I’m sure someone has already guessed the surprise so, I’ll just hope it all comes true…’cause it all sounds like fun. Congrats to Ahren! Will be checking in on Monday. Have a great weekend.
My first thought was an engagement announcement, what with the moving to Ireland and all. Congratulations to you and your family on all the happy events and accomplishments. What a great ending of one year and beginning of another!
My first thought was an engagement announcement, what with the moving to Ireland and all. Congratulations to you and your family on all the happy events and accomplishments. What a great ending of one year and beginning of another!
Congrats to Ahren! I thought you already announced the surprise. Or is there another one?
Congrats to Ahren! I thought you already announced the surprise. Or is there another one?
Hope you are going to make Ahren a zipper bag too . . . it’s only fair! Anxious to hear of your surprise – now if only the house would sell!
Hope you are going to make Ahren a zipper bag too . . . it’s only fair! Anxious to hear of your surprise – now if only the house would sell!
Hope you are going to make Ahren a zipper bag too . . . it’s only fair! Anxious to hear of your surprise – now if only the house would sell!
Hope you are going to make Ahren a zipper bag too . . . it’s only fair! Anxious to hear of your surprise – now if only the house would sell!
When I handed out my zipper bags at Christmas to all the girls in the family, three Kindles, one Nook, and two ipods immediately went into the bag (they didn’t have covers, so they fit easily…and I’d made the “flat” model as opposed to the standup one). I think my hubby would like one in camouflage. I, too, think the surprise for Ahren is his girlfriend coming over for the party. Congratulations to him!
When I handed out my zipper bags at Christmas to all the girls in the family, three Kindles, one Nook, and two ipods immediately went into the bag (they didn’t have covers, so they fit easily…and I’d made the “flat” model as opposed to the standup one). I think my hubby would like one in camouflage. I, too, think the surprise for Ahren is his girlfriend coming over for the party. Congratulations to him!
Well, there aren’t many surprises left to guess. So I’ll go along with everyone else. Engagement. Maryann is coming. You are going there. Sara is having twins. Wait, we saw the ultrasound. You sold your house.
Zippy bags for guys is a great idea. I love how he wanted them out of his own bandanas…such fond memories he’ll have using those two bags. What a good mommy you were to accomodate him.
Well, there aren’t many surprises left to guess. So I’ll go along with everyone else. Engagement. Maryann is coming. You are going there. Sara is having twins. Wait, we saw the ultrasound. You sold your house.
Zippy bags for guys is a great idea. I love how he wanted them out of his own bandanas…such fond memories he’ll have using those two bags. What a good mommy you were to accomodate him.
True about not being many surprises left…. Maryann must be coming for the graduation! Is she (with her perfect skin) going to be jumping out of a cake? LOL
Congratulations to Ahren!
True about not being many surprises left…. Maryann must be coming for the graduation! Is she (with her perfect skin) going to be jumping out of a cake? LOL
Congratulations to Ahren!
First, congrats on Ahren’s milestone! I am crossing my fingers that his suprise is the one Kathleen guessed.
Boy did you ever unleash a whirlwind when you first posted about these bags, and then followed up with your Zipper Tutorial for Dummies! All the women in the family got zippy bags for Christmas, and my pregnant daughter has one made all of the fabrics we are using for her baby’s room Kate Spain’s Fandango). I still have several left over, so she suggested using them as prizes for her baby shower. Hot damne, what a great idea! She likes the medium size bag for cosmetics, but she commented that the small bag is perfect for carrying feminine supplies in your purse.
Thank you again for doing away with my zipperphobia and for telling us about the pattern!!
First, congrats on Ahren’s milestone! I am crossing my fingers that his suprise is the one Kathleen guessed.
Boy did you ever unleash a whirlwind when you first posted about these bags, and then followed up with your Zipper Tutorial for Dummies! All the women in the family got zippy bags for Christmas, and my pregnant daughter has one made all of the fabrics we are using for her baby’s room Kate Spain’s Fandango). I still have several left over, so she suggested using them as prizes for her baby shower. Hot damne, what a great idea! She likes the medium size bag for cosmetics, but she commented that the small bag is perfect for carrying feminine supplies in your purse.
Thank you again for doing away with my zipperphobia and for telling us about the pattern!!
Maybe you sold your house?
Maybe you sold your house?
Great ideas! I think the polka dot embellishments would definitely have enhanced the look, but can see why he might have declined, LOL!
Oh, my, what can I guess that hasn’t been said? It seems like a surprise for Ahren so maybe you’ve upped his flight to first class. My mom and dad got that upgrade as a surprise from my brother once and swore they’d never fly that long any other way again!
Great ideas! I think the polka dot embellishments would definitely have enhanced the look, but can see why he might have declined, LOL!
Oh, my, what can I guess that hasn’t been said? It seems like a surprise for Ahren so maybe you’ve upped his flight to first class. My mom and dad got that upgrade as a surprise from my brother once and swore they’d never fly that long any other way again!
Well, since everyone has guessed that Ahren’s girlfriend is flying in from Ireland, I’m guessing you sold the house!
Well, since everyone has guessed that Ahren’s girlfriend is flying in from Ireland, I’m guessing you sold the house!
I love the bags using the bandanas . . . I am going to stock up on bandanas next time I go to Walmart . . . they are only 99 cents . . .
and now I have to buy that pattern . . . for sure !!
my guess would be that you and your husband are going to Ireland . . . I know it’s already been guessed . . .but I’m hoping that’s what it is . . . you deserve the trip !!
congratulations to Ahren too . . . terrific accomplishment . . .
I love the bags using the bandanas . . . I am going to stock up on bandanas next time I go to Walmart . . . they are only 99 cents . . .
and now I have to buy that pattern . . . for sure !!
my guess would be that you and your husband are going to Ireland . . . I know it’s already been guessed . . .but I’m hoping that’s what it is . . . you deserve the trip !!
congratulations to Ahren too . . . terrific accomplishment . . .
Ahem, look at MEN…the zippy bag is coming your way!! Wooo Hooo!!
Even if the men don’t have Kindles, the bag are a great way of organizing small stuff for a carry-on luggage. ;0
Nicole, would you adopt me??!! I want to be in your family! ;0
Ahem, look at MEN…the zippy bag is coming your way!! Wooo Hooo!!
Even if the men don’t have Kindles, the bag are a great way of organizing small stuff for a carry-on luggage. ;0
Nicole, would you adopt me??!! I want to be in your family! ;0
I think maybe you sold your house but I was beat out on that one….would be nice for you to finally sell it so you would be closer to your daughter when she is expecting.
I think maybe you sold your house but I was beat out on that one….would be nice for you to finally sell it so you would be closer to your daughter when she is expecting.
I’m guessing engagement, too. But wouldn’t it be fun if Sara were having TWINS? 🙂
I’m guessing engagement, too. But wouldn’t it be fun if Sara were having TWINS? 🙂
OK- Before reading the comments–i thought that his GF was going to be intown OR its the announcement that hes dont more school?
After reading the comments– he has found a job in Ireland-
Or its totally different and has nothing to do with your post..hmm
OK- Before reading the comments–i thought that his GF was going to be intown OR its the announcement that hes dont more school?
After reading the comments– he has found a job in Ireland-
Or its totally different and has nothing to do with your post..hmm
Right Nicole you are up to your old tricks again You are bringing his girlfriend out and they will get engaged I hope I am right it would be nice.Have A good week.
Hugs Mary.
Right Nicole you are up to your old tricks again You are bringing his girlfriend out and they will get engaged I hope I am right it would be nice.Have A good week.
Hugs Mary.
Will you have his Irish sweetie there for him? Or is she there already? Maybe I’ve lost track…but that’s the problem with having so many birthdays ;o)!
Will you have his Irish sweetie there for him? Or is she there already? Maybe I’ve lost track…but that’s the problem with having so many birthdays ;o)!
Maybe her parents are coming here? I don’t think anyone has guessed that yet.
Maybe her parents are coming here? I don’t think anyone has guessed that yet.
I’m a little late today with my guess but to be original, I’m going to guess your hubby has a new job, and there is hope of moving closer to Sara. I like the idea anyway.
I’m a little late today with my guess but to be original, I’m going to guess your hubby has a new job, and there is hope of moving closer to Sara. I like the idea anyway.
I made those chicken oincushions way back when and my son asked for some to decorate a shelf in his room so I guess we do need to think of the guys. Love the use of the bandana. Congratulations to Ahren, what an achievement.
I made those chicken oincushions way back when and my son asked for some to decorate a shelf in his room so I guess we do need to think of the guys. Love the use of the bandana. Congratulations to Ahren, what an achievement.
First thought is an engagement, the second is twins!
First thought is an engagement, the second is twins!
I guess I am not the first to say a surprise visit from his sweetie (and maybe a proposal for her)!!
The mother of an only child, male, thinks of these things sometimes…but not always. I do look out for fabrics my son (and husband) would like and when found, acquire it and stash it for the future. My header on my blog is flannel I bought years ago at a superbowl sale and finally finished into a quilt for the husband this year….check it out. [email protected]
Congrats to you and Ahren on the accomplishment! Enjoy the festivities and can’t wait to hear the details and see the pictures.
I guess I am not the first to say a surprise visit from his sweetie (and maybe a proposal for her)!!
The mother of an only child, male, thinks of these things sometimes…but not always. I do look out for fabrics my son (and husband) would like and when found, acquire it and stash it for the future. My header on my blog is flannel I bought years ago at a superbowl sale and finally finished into a quilt for the husband this year….check it out. [email protected]
Congrats to you and Ahren on the accomplishment! Enjoy the festivities and can’t wait to hear the details and see the pictures.