Gemia (Phat Quarters) and Kelly (Handmade Boy) contacted me about this tour and I jumped at the opportunity.  An all boys tour?  With fun, new, boy-friendly fabrics?  Yes, yes, yes!

I wasn’t familiar with Monaluna fabrics until now, but I am so glad that I’ve been introduced!  Based out of California, it’s a husband-wife team of independent fabric designers, who specialize in organic fabrics with fresh, modern designs.  Their newest line “Simple Life” is darling and perfectly geared toward the boys…yet still totally appropriate for all ages and genders.

I was sent three yards of coordinating fabrics from the Simple Life line (thank you!) and I had to brainstorm what to make.  Of course, first up was a Lumberjack Shirt by Patterns for Pirates.  It’s my go-to when I make any top for Louis out of woven fabrics.  However, I wanted to mix it up a little bit, so I created a faux-layered look for his sleeves.  

First, it saved me a little time with not having to add cuffs to his sleeves.  But also, it broke up the fabric a little bit for his top.  I think sometimes too much of a good thing is too much…and the little bit of a solid sleeve helped bring this shirt together for me.

Louis actually helped me choose which fabrics we wanted to play with.  He LOVED the bear family print.  And actually, Lou was the one who thought the tulip fabric was the best choice for a secondary print.  I’m glad he picked it.  It’s super cute!

I had to ponder a little bit to figure out what to do with the coordinating fabrics.  I’m so used to making clothes for Louis, but I wanted to branch out a little bit.  I remembered this free pattern for a small backpack from SewMuchAdo, but it was a bunny.  And I REALLY wanted an excuse to make a cute backpack for Louis…this was a better time than any!

The only adjustments I made to the pattern was to change it up from a bunny to a bear.  I mean, he’s wearing a bear shirt…he needed a bear backpack too.  Right?!  I kept the details a little raw and funky looking, and hand stitched the mouth with some embroidery floss.  Sometimes I prefer things to look a little wonky.  It adds character!  I also actually applied the mouth and ear fabrics backwards, so the prints wouldn’t be too overwhelming on top of each other, but you would still be able to see the floral peeking through backwards.  Because I’m crazy like that.

I just think the backpack is darling and I’m considering making more, just for fun!  Plus, Louis loves having random bags to fill with all of his toys and stuffed animals.  So they won’t be made for nothing!

I’d say that my little bear is pretty darn happy with his new Simple Life duds!  Wouldn’t you?

Of course, here are some links for you:

Patterns: Lumberjack shirt by Patterns for Pirates | Bunny Toddler Backpack by SewMuchAdo
Fabrics: Monaluna Simple Life (images are linked to for you!)

**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!