Roses are so much more varied and exciting than those tight red buds available at every deli and supermarket. I grew up right down the street from the lovely Berkeley Rose Garden and every spring when the garden was in full bloom I loved exploring all the different varieties; from the tiny peppery smelling Cecil Brunners to the opulent pink and peach Tahitian Sunsets. There were purple roses and yellow roses and velvety red roses so dark they looked black. There were fat ones that seemed to have a hundred crinkly petals and delicate ones with only four. It's no wonder that this fascinating flower is such a symbol of romance, and of course of Valentine's Day!

With the big day coming up I designed these little girl's barrettes in celebration of the rose. I liked the idea that they could add a little Valentine's spirit to any outfit but also still be used after Valentine's Day. I used our 100% Wool Felt Bundle in Spice because its rich luminous colors have the same intensity as some of my favorite roses. Sewing these together was a snap and it was so fun watching each flower bloom in my fingers. If you'd like to make some for your little valentine please visit my Rose Barrette Project Journal.

Happy Valentine's Day! --Molly