Black Coffee and lattes flow pretty freely in our home.  A few years ago, we got a cappuccino machine and my husband slowly perfected the art of making lattes, cappuccinos and espressos at home.  I drink pretty light black coffee, but my espresso drinks would keep a spoon upright.  I have a pretty big selection of tea too.  There’s of course also chai latte.  I love them so much more than carbonated drinks.  No wonder I perked up when I saw this blog hop theme!

Purchase Coffee Chemistry Pattern

This Coffee Chemistry block had been collecting dust in my cabinet for a while.  That’s the caffeine molecule found in coffee and tea.  I knew I wanted to make a bag with this block from the very beginning, but the perfect coordinating fabric eluded me until I found the coffee bean fabric.  When the fabric arrived, I worked out a pattern for crossbody bags, which I am very fond of.  The pale green coffee bean fabric compliments my green block so well.  I added the blue zipper for a little punch of colour against the brown adjustable strap.

I also added a back pocket along with an inside pocket. I’m hoping for a trip to Sweden in the very near future.  Coincidentally, the book fits perfectly in the back pocket.  I have been using this bag since the day I made it.

I also needed to make a bag that was a little larger than the green Coffee Chemistry bag.  Last week I was feeling very sleepy all the time due to combined doses of allergy and cold medicines.  As the coffee in my cup diminished, so did my energy level.  Mimicking that, I drew a Coffee Meter quilt pattern.  I then promptly proceeded to make the block followed by the bag, using a cream version of the coffee bean fabric this time.  I love the yellow-orange zipper against the grey strap, it is one of my favourite colour combinations.  I also added a set of grey buttons, which I had handy, at the base of the straps.

There is extra room in the back pocket, even after I put my iPad in there.  I don’t carry very large bags, this one is a perfect size for day trips and air travel.  Along with my usual content, I can easily carry a couple of books, a water bottle, my sketchbook etc. in this one.

The Sweden guide book tells me that Fika or “to have coffee” is a very integral part of the Swedish culture.  I am excitedly looking forward to exploring that culture.  These are my first self-designed bags and they are definitely going to come along with me.