Welcome blog hoppers! I'm having a great time visiting all of the Fall-O-Ween blogs, and it's been fun getting to know all of you as I click on your comments and visit your blogs. Remember to leave a comment for each designer on their free project post; if you comment on all 10 designers we'll put your name in the hat for some great prizes!
Today is my turn in the spotlight, so let me tell you a little bit about myself. I've been designing patterns for over 15 years, and quilting since I was in college. Many of you are familiar with Atkinson Designs because of our best selling pattern Yellow Brick Road, but we also have over 25 other patterns and 12 books.
I especially like to make simple quilts that look like I worked really hard - figuring out shortcuts is the fun part for me.
Lately, I've been having lots of fun making little zipper bags. Since I couldn't find zippers in the colors I wanted, we now wholesale 36 colors of zippers to quilt shops in the US and Canada.
"Thank Goodness It's Friday" hasn't even entered my mind since I started Atkinson Designs because I get to do all sorts of fun stuff - like designing quilts, shopping for fabric, writing instructions, and of course, sewing. I get to work at my own pace and choose what I do each day. It doesn't get any better than that! My husband Kirk works with me doing all of the office things like shipping, ordering, etc.
We have two kids, and here is how they looked about 18 years ago. I thought I'd sneak their picture in for today's topic of fall clothes! Back in the "good old days" I made many of their clothes; polar fleece jackets and sweatshirts were especially fun to make because they were quick and easy, and sweatshirt weather is my favorite time of year.
My favorite candy would never be chocolate - I would choose candy corn! Today's pattern for you is a little "Sweet Zip" bag to hold your favorite candy. Two fat eighths (9" x 21") of fabric will make three "Sweet Zips" - one to keep and two to give as gifts. When you've eaten the candy, you can put a little pack of tissues inside. Download SWEET ZIP
I bet you think I forgot about Monday's orange fabrics - of course not! See the stripe hiding inside?
I hope I get to see your Sweet Zips - you can upload photos to our Fall-O-Ween Flickr site. Hop on over to the other designer's blogs and see if they are dressed for the weather! Gudrun, Sandy, Roseann, Kari, Heather, Terri, Carrie, Linda, Pat
Now that is cute. I can see several in my future. Thanks
Posted by: Frances | October 01, 2010 at 06:10 AM
Looks like I am posting real early, but it is 8:12 in my world ;~}
Posted by: Frances | October 01, 2010 at 06:12 AM
Do you even know how fabulous you are? :-) I have loved making all of your zippered patterns and can't wait to make this one, too. Maybe by my next retreat I will have enough made for all of my quilting buddies. But first I think I'll make them as teacher gifts as a wonderfully practical gift card holder. You're the BEST!!
Posted by: Sue P. | October 01, 2010 at 06:15 AM
It's 12.15 here in the UK but I have to say I absolutely love this project.
I've been hunting for ages for a small bag to keep my medicine in that live in my handbag. Now, thanks to you, I have that bag in my preferred colours and with a zip that won't break. I can't thank you enough.
Posted by: Rosanne Derrett | October 01, 2010 at 06:16 AM
Cute! Cute! Cute! You never let us down Terry!! Thank you!
Posted by: Erin Earl | October 01, 2010 at 06:17 AM
What a great project! Thank you! And nice to meet you too. :D
Posted by: Margaret | October 01, 2010 at 06:17 AM
very cute. Thank you for the cute pattern!
Posted by: Juel Bagaason | October 01, 2010 at 06:18 AM
I'd like to make the bags to send to each of my 3 daughters. I'm going to fill them with candy corn. But I'm wondering why it calls for a 14" zipper. Could I use a 10" zipper, for example.
Thanks for a fall quickie!
Posted by: Kitty Letsch | October 01, 2010 at 06:19 AM
Sweet little zippered keep all. The bags will make nice "happies" to have on hand for someone special. Thanks for sharing. Happy blog hopping.
Posted by: Donna | October 01, 2010 at 06:20 AM
I love this! I have no zipper fear at all and I can't wait to get started!! Thanks so much. These will definitely be great for Christmas gifts! Perfect!
Posted by: Marya L | October 01, 2010 at 06:29 AM
A charming little bag and a tutorial for using my zipper roll. Thanks, Terri.
Posted by: Kat Scribner | October 01, 2010 at 06:30 AM
I love these little zippered pouches, so cute!!
I already have a few of your patterns, just need to actually make them!!
Posted by: Kim G | October 01, 2010 at 06:31 AM
I love it! Those little Zippie bags are just adorable! Instead of tissues I'm thinking I can put a few hexies in there to tote around. Thanks!!
Posted by: Sandy | October 01, 2010 at 06:32 AM
Handy little bag. Thanks for the pattern.
Posted by: Peggy | October 01, 2010 at 06:34 AM
What cute little zipper bags! Thanks for the pattern.
Posted by: Lynn Osborne | October 01, 2010 at 06:36 AM
The zip bags are adorable! Perfect and very functional, which I just love. Thanks for a great pattern. I have enjoyed the "hop" and all the new sites including yours.
Posted by: Colleen | October 01, 2010 at 06:37 AM
Love this project. I think I can make it. Thanks you so much for sharing.
Posted by: Crystal Knight | October 01, 2010 at 06:40 AM
Wow, another zipper project to whip up. Thanks for the pattern.
Posted by: Jeanne H | October 01, 2010 at 06:40 AM
OH MY GOSH!!! Anyone who knows me calls me the Bag Lady. I love to make little bags like this one and also handbags. I just recently got married and made all my bridesgirls overnight bags and all the groomsmen shaving bags. I just wanted to make it a little more personal. Even the priest wants one now!! Thanks for the beautiful pattern and can't wait to get sewing. Happy sewing everyone!!
Posted by: Swansetta Rumbolt | October 01, 2010 at 06:41 AM
Adorable! I have to say though, I prefer chocolate over candy corn... LOL
Posted by: Danielle | October 01, 2010 at 06:41 AM
Those little bags are adorable! I'll fill mine with my favorite fall mix of candy corn and peanuts! Thank you for sharing. :)
Posted by: Karin | October 01, 2010 at 06:43 AM
What a cute zipper bag. I can see it in all the holiday materials for great little gifts! Thanks. These fall blogs are so much fun!
Posted by: Cathy | October 01, 2010 at 06:43 AM
So adorable! thank you for such a wonderful pattern and inspsiration. I'll be making these for an upcoming retreat. I needed an idea for a little somethin-somethin to give my quilting buddies there and this is just perfect!!
Posted by: Wendy | October 01, 2010 at 06:44 AM
That is so cute. Yes I know your yellow brick road very well. I make it for baby shower gifts. Love all your patterns. Enjoying the blog hop. Thanks for the cutie.
Posted by: Sue Bennett | October 01, 2010 at 06:45 AM
Very cute pattern, these look like fun to make in all sorts of fabrics. Thanks for the great pattern!
Posted by: Marsha | October 01, 2010 at 06:45 AM
Adorable pictures. I've never tried a zipper. This will be a first for me. :)
Posted by: Angie | October 01, 2010 at 06:46 AM
Thank you for such a cute litte bag! It looks like a fun project to make. Thanks for doing the blog hop for us too!!
Posted by: Elizabeth | October 01, 2010 at 06:46 AM
Thanks for a cute bag pattern. Great gift idea for the holidays coming up.
Posted by: Debbie Goad | October 01, 2010 at 06:49 AM
Cute zippered bag. Thank you for the pattern.
Posted by: Cheryl Miller | October 01, 2010 at 06:53 AM
Just the pattern I've been looking for.
Posted by: Kade | October 01, 2010 at 06:57 AM
The zippers are a big hit with me along with your patterns. Thanks for the pattern today -TGIF- sewing will have to wait till after work. We all have enough scraps to make a zillion.
Posted by: Sandy E | October 01, 2010 at 06:57 AM
Thanks so much for the Sweet Zip bag pattern. It is just adorable. I use many of your patterns (I can't count how many times I have made Yellow Brick Road!) and I am enjoying some of your new bag patterns too. I'm really enjoying the blog hop too.
Posted by: Paula W. | October 01, 2010 at 06:57 AM
This is wonderful. I too love to make bags and know plenty of people who would love to get this as a gift. This is the first time I've done a blog hop and I'm having a blast. Thanks for the pattern.
Posted by: CarolC | October 01, 2010 at 07:00 AM
Thanks for the fun pattern. I love Lets Do Lunch.
Posted by: Amy V | October 01, 2010 at 07:00 AM
Those are cute little bags, but I see uses beyond candy. Thanks for posting. Have a great day.
Posted by: Brenda Pigott | October 01, 2010 at 07:01 AM
love the zipper bag thank you for the pattern and doing the blog hop its sooo fun
Posted by: lora | October 01, 2010 at 07:03 AM
I have your Yellow Brick Road pattern, and I love how simple it is to do. Thank you for the free Sweet Zip pattern.
Posted by: Grace | October 01, 2010 at 07:03 AM
I have you to thank for all of the beautiful colored zippers in my lqs? I didn't know that and thank you very much.
I also love candy corn, but I put peanuts in with mine.
Posted by: Rose Hunter | October 01, 2010 at 07:04 AM
I just made a few tissue holders for friends ('tis the season). But I like your version better. I like how yours is a litle puffier so it holds more (2 tissue packs). How cute! Thank you!
Posted by: Pat | October 01, 2010 at 07:04 AM
Love the little zips. And the cuties in the fall clothes. Perfect little bags for inside a figure skating bag, too. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Sarah Vee | October 01, 2010 at 07:05 AM
So cute. I love little zipper bags.
Posted by: amandah | October 01, 2010 at 07:06 AM
Love the little zip bag. I need to make about a dozen for Christmas gifts. Thanks so much for the pattern. I love your site and your patterns.
Posted by: Barbara Boe | October 01, 2010 at 07:06 AM
What a great little goodie bag I am thinking about gift cards for Christmas - perfect for stocking stuffers.
thanks sew much
Dorothy F in IL
Posted by: Dorothy | October 01, 2010 at 07:07 AM
I've always loved your patterns! Thanks for the cute little zip bag!
Posted by: Cindy | October 01, 2010 at 07:12 AM
Adorable little zip bag. I'll be making some of those. Thanks
Posted by: Debbie Gallett | October 01, 2010 at 07:13 AM
What a cute idea for a treat bag! Thanks for sharing such a fun pattern.
Posted by: Jocelyn | October 01, 2010 at 07:14 AM
I love candy corn as well! And now I can hide my addiction in a cute little bag.
Posted by: Cindi | October 01, 2010 at 07:16 AM
Terry, I love this cute little bag. Last Christmas I made cosmetic bags for all the girls in my family and your zippers are so easy to put in. Kudos to you!
Posted by: Pat D | October 01, 2010 at 07:18 AM
Just love these little jewels of a project. I'll be making these for sure. Thanks for the pattern.
Posted by: Chris | October 01, 2010 at 07:19 AM
Thanks for another great project!!! Blogging is fun!! :-)
Posted by: Amanda P | October 01, 2010 at 07:20 AM
I've seen the zippers at Sweet Home Quilt Co and now I have a project and an excuse to drive to Conyers. Thanks for the sweet pattern!
Posted by: Linda K | October 01, 2010 at 07:22 AM
What a great little bag! Thanks for the pattern, I love making bags.
Posted by: Dorian | October 01, 2010 at 07:23 AM
Thanks for this great free pattern. I can't wait to try it. I recently saw a display of your zippers at a quilt shop in Illinois. The colors looked great! Thanks for doing this blog hop - it's a lot of fun! dsb448@att.net
Posted by: Darlene B | October 01, 2010 at 07:23 AM
This is great and so cute. I love the little, quick projects. Your patterns are the best because the directions are the best!!! Thank you for the pattern and for participating in the Hop. What a group of designers you all are!!
Posted by: Jackie E | October 01, 2010 at 07:24 AM
Totally love these bags and I have bought one of your little bag patterns because it is so cute. Thanks for sharing.
Mary
Posted by: Mary Meats | October 01, 2010 at 07:24 AM
What cute little bags - and I have just the right fabric for them! Thanks Terri!
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | October 01, 2010 at 07:27 AM
As usual,that is just darling! I will make many I know!! You have the cutest ideas!! Thank you for this wonderful Blog Hop! Bonnie Nyquist boniesline at aol dot com
Posted by: Bonnie Nyquist | October 01, 2010 at 07:30 AM
those sre the cutest little bags, I can't wait to make one, need to hop over and check out all your colors of zips!!
Posted by: cyndi hoeller | October 01, 2010 at 07:33 AM
What a great project! It's one that even I may have time to make. Thanks!
Posted by: Laura Greig | October 01, 2010 at 07:33 AM
Thank you Terry for another great pattern! I had just made one of your Cash and Carry bags and love it. They're great for taking to the farmer's market when you don't want to lug around a big purse. Thanks.
Posted by: Annette | October 01, 2010 at 07:39 AM
Thanks for the pattern! My favorite pattern is your "Tag-a-long" purse! I can't make enough of them!! Now to go pick out some fabric for the little zipper bags!
Posted by: Elaine Morgan | October 01, 2010 at 07:42 AM
Okay, I'm gonna do it. I've never sewn a zipper in all my days. I'm zipper phobic. Todays the day I'll conquer my fears! Thanks for sharing. I really enjoy your patterns.
Posted by: Robbin | October 01, 2010 at 07:47 AM
oh my thanks for the cute little bag I will look to see what colr of zippers I have then make a couple. I want to take a couple to the retreat I am going to in about a week in Ripley W>VA> I am ready mentally now!!
Patty Hall
Posted by: Patty Hall | October 01, 2010 at 07:47 AM
Cute! I love all sorts of bags, pouches and totes, and you never disappoint. I'll have to make a few of these this weekend.
Posted by: Kathy R | October 01, 2010 at 07:48 AM
I loved your post and I just downloaded the file. Can't wait to try making these cute little zip pouches today! Thank you for sharing. This hop is sooooo much fun!!!!
Posted by: Karen | October 01, 2010 at 07:49 AM
Your sweet zip pattern is a great idea! I'm going to download it now.
Posted by: Ruth | October 01, 2010 at 07:49 AM
Great idea thanks for the pattern
Posted by: Olivia Martinez | October 01, 2010 at 07:53 AM
Thank you so much for taking time out from your no doubt busy days to contribute to this shop hop. I have many of your patterns and books and think you are my "soul mate" when it comes to colors and design.
This little bag looks pretty roomy so I believe I will get lots of use out of it. Your choice of fabrics is right on.
Posted by: Suzanne | October 01, 2010 at 07:53 AM
I love your pouch......I will for sure make this!!!! Thanks
Posted by: Susan Muller | October 01, 2010 at 07:53 AM
I've loved your patterns since I began quilting 12 years ago. Yellow Brick Road is my all time favorite! I can't tell you how many I've made!! Thank you for sharing your designs with us all!
Posted by: Polly | October 01, 2010 at 07:54 AM
Thanks Terry for anoth great pattern...love working with your patterns...
Posted by: Faye Kuhlmann | October 01, 2010 at 07:55 AM
Making these little pouches should be a blast. Thanks for sharing the pattern. I've enjoyed the blog hop!!
Posted by: rebecca | October 01, 2010 at 07:56 AM
I love this little pouch! Downloading the pattern right after this post.
Posted by: Chrys S | October 01, 2010 at 07:57 AM
OMgosh....Polar Fleece...I still have a jacket my mother-in-law made for me and take it camping to stay warm...And I look like a polar (Big ole Bear)...it adds a lil more bulk than I need..ha..ha But cuddly/warm.Luv the lil bag and it would be a great idea for our small Girlscout troup to make. I and the girls would love it. Thank U
Posted by: LeAnne Olson | October 01, 2010 at 07:58 AM
"Delicious" Little Bag.......and I'm admitting what I'll put inside mine. LOL
But I imagine the grandkids will find out as soon as they see it's in my handbag!!!
Happy Fall.
Posted by: Cindy Carlson | October 01, 2010 at 08:01 AM
Zipper bags are so useful and quick to make. thanks
Posted by: Bernie | October 01, 2010 at 08:03 AM
I can see these little pouches in everyone's Christmas stocking this year. Thanks for the pattern. I'm loving this blog hop.
Posted by: Gaye in GA | October 01, 2010 at 08:03 AM
What a sweet bag!! I love candy corn too!! Thanks for the pattern.
Posted by: LoriD | October 01, 2010 at 08:05 AM
Your yellow brick road quilt is gorgeous! And thanks for the fun pattern! Love all of the wonderful posts this week! ♥
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | October 01, 2010 at 08:05 AM
"Candy Corn" you say??? At this time of the year that is my given name (ever since elementary school) I didn't like that name much then but LOVE it now! Thanks Terry for a cute little project that I can share! candy*
Posted by: candy from detour! | October 01, 2010 at 08:06 AM
I think I'll become a "bag lady" this weekend and make some of these!!!
Posted by: Maria | October 01, 2010 at 08:08 AM
The zipper bags look sew simple to make and useful too! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Tiffaney | October 01, 2010 at 08:11 AM
Very clever. Lipstick, tissues, mints,gum, all those things that are loose in the bottom of my purse. I'll need three to get organized.
thank you for the pattern
Posted by: katie paxton | October 01, 2010 at 08:12 AM
Thank you for the darling little Zip Bag pattern!!
Posted by: Linda | October 01, 2010 at 08:15 AM
Terry, thank you for the pattern. I have made 3 of your Yellow Brick Road quilts. I love that pattern. It works up quickly, yet looks so neat. Three of my 5 grandkids now have a YBR quilt. (grin) Winona
Posted by: Winona | October 01, 2010 at 08:15 AM
What a great little pattern! I might have to whip up a few of these while I'm waiting out the last couple of days before my due date for my first baby.
Posted by: Jenny Goldstein | October 01, 2010 at 08:19 AM
I so love the shortcuts you put in your patterns, thank you. This is a really cute little bag and should be fun to do with your zippers.
Posted by: Sandy Hansen | October 01, 2010 at 08:19 AM
Thanks Terry! They are so cute...My grnadkids will love these...Linda
Posted by: Linda Clark | October 01, 2010 at 08:20 AM
Thank you so much for the darling bag pattern. I love making your bag patterns...and Zippers really are "No Big Deal".
Posted by: Chris G | October 01, 2010 at 08:20 AM
Such a versital pattern! Thanks so very much! Great gift!
Posted by: di | October 01, 2010 at 08:24 AM
I own quite a number of your books and patterns and have actually made them. ;)
Thank you so much for the little zipper bag pattern. That is adorable and I'm going to put it to good use as well.
Posted by: tami | October 01, 2010 at 08:25 AM
Too cute!!! Now off to clean off my sewing table to create a couple of these. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Posted by: Annette | October 01, 2010 at 08:28 AM
what an adorable way to practice my zippers!
Posted by: CaraQuilts | October 01, 2010 at 08:28 AM
Thanks for a great project with so many possibilities!
Posted by: Kathy J | October 01, 2010 at 08:30 AM
I had never quite been able to see myself doing one of those little bags; they looked like too much work. Your instructions are so easy to understand and it looks simpler than I thought. These will definitely have to go on my To Do list. Thanks for your inspiration!
Posted by: Stephanie B | October 01, 2010 at 08:30 AM
Hi Terry, what a great little bag pattern. I bet it wouldn't be that hard to "size up" and make a matching set of three. I agree with you on candy corn--it is yummy. Thank you for this fantastic blog hop! Thankful~Threads ~Kathleen
Posted by: Kathleen B | October 01, 2010 at 08:31 AM
What a cute bag!! I can think of lots of uses for this adorable little bag. Thank you for sharing your project.
Posted by: Joan B | October 01, 2010 at 08:32 AM
Thank you for the cute little zipper bag. I will use kitten material for my grand daughter.
Posted by: Lucille | October 01, 2010 at 08:33 AM
What a great little bag.....I love it...will make a few of them this weekend...will make cute little Holloween treat bags....thanks for a great pattern!
Posted by: suzy | October 01, 2010 at 08:33 AM
No suprise, the first quilt I ever made was your Yellow Brick Road pattern. I've been hooked ever since! Thanks for the great pattern!
Posted by: Amy in Eau Claire | October 01, 2010 at 08:37 AM