Designer Tidbits: Monaluna


The Fat Quarter Shop is excited to welcome Jennifer Moore of Monaluna to the Jolly Jabber. Jennifer’s latest fabric collection is Circa 52 for Birch Organic Fabrics.





Q: What was the first seed that grew into the Circa 52 collection?
A: The first version of this collection, Circa 50, was inspired by a conversation I had with Cynthia from Birch Fabrics. I was working on the first collection for her company, and we were talking about the graphics and aesthetics that we were excited about – mid-century architecture and design, children’s art from the 60’s and a graphic and whimsical approach to fabric. It all coalesced in this group of prints. Circa 52 is just a bit softer and sunnier than the first collection.

Q: If your collection had a soundtrack what would be on the list?
A: Ha! Well, when I was a kid I had a record that was passed down from one of my older cousins. The cover had this graphic, 60’s art and one of the songs was “Sugar Time”. Somehow that seems to fit. And maybe Ray Conniff’s “King of the Road”.

Q: What single print/SKU in the collection is your favorite?
A: I think the Cars print is my favorite – I love the commotion and busy-ness of it. I also really like the Woodland Party and how festive the little flags feel. Oh, wait – that’s two. I’ll stick with Cars, but it’s tough.




Q: What is your favorite project you have made using this collection?
A: I haven’t made anything yet! Shame on me! Actually, I’ve been doing precious little sewing this past year, but I’m definitely ready to pick it up again. However, Cynthia from Birch did a great photo shoot with the fabrics, and here’s an image from that.




Q: What is your favorite part of working in the fabric industry?
A: I really love seeing all the gorgeous things that people make from my fabric! As a textile designer you work to get the prints just so and the collections just so, but then the people who buy the fabrics take them to another level and make such amazing creations! It’s great to see.

Q: Can you give us a sneak-peek of your next fabric collection?
A: Sure! I have a collection for Birch Fabrics called Next Stop that will be out this spring.




Q: What is your absolute favorite thing in your house?
A: The possible answers to that question are so varied that I’m going to limit my choices to inanimate objects. Once you rule out my husband, daughter and cat as possible choices, I’d have to say my current favorite things in the house are the windows. They are the original 1910 windows, and have that lovely wavy glass. Somehow the quality of the light they let in is so fine and bright and seems different from regular new windows. Plus they open out on hinges and make the house seem so airy and open. Of course, going into winter that has its drawbacks, but I still love them.





Q: Which project stands out in your memory as your all-time favorite?
A: My memory is short these days, so I think it would have to be the Oliver + S 2+2 outfit that I made for my daughter a couple of months ago. I used the Swedish Forest fabric from my Anika collection. The pattern worked out so nicely, and it looks ridiculously cute on her. I scavenged mis-matched buttons for the back from my button stash, and somehow managed to find 5 different buttons that all matched the print differently, including a flower-shaped one. It makes it just a little more special.




Q: Where do you do your best thinking? Can we see a photo of your studio?
A: When I really need to think, I go for a walk. I definitely do my best thinking when I’m in motion. But I do a heck of a lot of working in this space:





Q: What is your favorite snack food?
A: My favorite snack food would be...pie.




Q: What is your one guilty pleasure in life?
A: Just one? Really?? Well, I do love a really good red wine. I also love Cadbury Easter Eggs.


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