Oh back-to-school time.  It’s when all of the parents are having mild heart attacks over the cost/quantity of the school supplies list.  As well as the stress and hassle of new clothes.  Oy.  New clothes.  I wish we could grow the clothes with the kid sometimes.

Made for Mermaids has organized a tour, hoping to at least help tackle the clothing side of things.  I’m a lucky momma of a sweet boy who loves to wear handmade clothes, and I was more than happy to participate in this tour.  It also kicked me in the butt a little to get some BTS sewing done.  Welcome to the M4M Back to School Blog Tour!  Whoop whoop!

Louis attends a private school.  And while in years past he’s been able to whatever he’s comfortable in….this year is a little more strict.  Solid colored tops with collars and navy/khaki pants are the base of the boys’ wear.  Sounds simple.  But for a sewing Momma who loves to make her kiddo’s clothes, I’ll admit that it’s thrown me for a bit of a loop.

Enter: Made for Mermaid’s Charlie Button-down.  Hellooooooooo gorgeous.

The Charlie is fabulous in so many ways.  First, it’s a buttondown with a classic fit.  Second, it can be made in under two hours, and even faster after I’ve had a few under my belt.  But the best part is that it has these gorgeous pintuck details that make my heart go all aflutter.  So even with a single solid color, the shirt still has style.

Team Mermaid doesn’t have a pair of boys’ pants.  Yet.  I’m hoping that’ll change one day.  So I paired this top with my old faithful Cpt. Comfort Jeans from Patterns for Pirates.  There isn’t a shorts version, but I just figured out the inseam for Lou and cut them as such.

Solid navy slacks?  CHECK!

I’m not going to lie.  Taking these photos was WORK for me.  Louis was not feeling the photoshoot because he was mad that he had to wear shoes that weren’t sandals.  “HIs feet were hot.”  I tried to bribe him with money, snacks, etc.  But nothing was working.  In the end, I’m glad that I landed some photos.  Because he’s beautiful.  And I’ll take any moment and freeze it in time if I can.  This whole growing up and becoming a Kindergartner and going to school all day long just might kill me.  Our house is going to feel so empty!!

Louis loves a good backpack.  And backpack accessory.  So even though I had nothing to do with the making of either of these things, he wanted me to take this picture of his Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, and let you know how cool it is.  Did I keep my promise or what?

I hope I’ve sold you a little bit on this combo.  I think Louis looks so sweet and preppy.  Oh this kid.  I’m so lucky to have him in my life.

Before we go, let me tell you some amazing and useful stuff.  (I swear I can be useful!!)

Made for Mermaids is having an AMAZING BTS sale!  What?!?!  The code M4MB2S will get you a whopping 20% off on MadeforMermaids.com AND, if you head to the blog, they’re having a super fun and awesome giveaway.  So, make it happen.

And here are all of the links:
Charlie Button-Down pattern by Made for Mermaids
Cpt Comfort Jeans pattern by Patterns for Pirates
Chambray Fabric from Fabric.com | Navy Suiting from Fabric.com

Make sure to head over to the Made for Mermaids blog to see the rest of the talented ladies on the tour this week!

**As always, you’ll find some affiliate links scattered within my post, which means I receive a small amount of compensation if you end up purchasing something I’ve recommended.  Thanks for helping to feed my sewing habits!