BURLAP, YOU ASK? 
 In an effort to reuse what seems to me to be a wealth of otherwise discarded burlap bags that green coffee is shipped in, I have developed a line of products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.  From market bags to courier bags (which will accommodate a laptop computer), and various purses and pocket books to vests, skirts, jackets and seasonal hats, I have found a way to utilize this richly printed and variously textured fabric.  Graphics range from stencil-printed regions of origin to colorful and elaborate likenesses of elephants, macaws, or depictions of coffee plants.  The 'FAIR TRADE' and 'ORGANIC' emblems and declarations are on each bag (all of Coffee Exchange's coffee is fair trade and organic), and are present on about every other garment that I produce. 

A REVERENCE FOR THE RAW MATERIALS

Is what allows the bag to dictate the garment produced from it.  Coffee bags are carefully sorted by several aspects:  Overall condition is the first consideration!  Quality of the bag is paramount to building a worthy product that will wear well. Secondary considerations, such as graphics (jackets and vests are likely to have the main aspect of a particular bag in it's entirety blazed across the back), density (thicker or thinner individual threads), weave (how tightly the threads are stacked against one another)... all play a distinct role in determining what an individual bag will be transformed into.

Though introducing burlap as a friendly fiber is the larger focus of this site, I work extensively with linen, fleece (Malden Mills), and canvas, often combining these fabrics for  unique appearance and functional result.

Questions?

I'm glad to answer any questions you may have, general or specific.

401.831.0321

7am - 10pm EST

elizabeth@coffeejackets.net