Fabric Rosette

By Amelia Poll

I am sure that many of you have seen the plethora of fabric flowers that are around these days. I love seeing all the different styles and colors that are available. The nicest thing about most of them is how easy it is to make them. Here is a tutorial to make a simple, rolled fabric rosette. Here is what the finished product will look like:

Supplies:

*Hot Glue Gun
*Fabric Strips (around an inch - inch and a half wide)
*Felt that somewhat matches your fabric (it technically won't be seen, but if you have something that matches, it is good to have)

Optional:
* Coordinating beads for embellishments

Let's get started.
First, plug your hot glue gun in so that it is good and ready.

Let's start by talking about the strips of fabric. I like mine to be just a little bigger than an inch, but I also do not pull out my ruler to measure. I cut a snip in the fabric, and tear it. If you've never torn fabric before, and it makes you nervous (it used to terrify me), this is a great project to try it out with. The grain of the fabric will give you a straight tear, I promise. Plus, I like the way the edges fray a little on these rosettes with the torn edges.

As far as the length is concerned, it depends on how big you want your flower. My strips are the width of the fabric (44" or so), but I do not use the whole strip for one flower. I'd say you will want at least 12-15 inches to play with.

Now that you have your strip of fabric, take one end and fold in one of the corners, like so.

With that as your starting point, you are going to twist/roll the fabric around itself, almost like a rope (see the picture two below if you are a little confused, I forgot to take a good picture of this step). You can be as exact or as sloppy as you'd like. The great thing about these flowers is you do not need to be perfect in any way to make them look cute.

You don't need to do much to begin because it gets tricky to hold your roll, and glue. So, with your first little bit of the fabric strip rolled, take the end of your roll, and start to spiral the fabric in on itself. Using just a dab of hot glue (I like to use the little drip that is hanging off the tip of my glue gun, so I don't even have to push the trigger), secure the end to the rolled fabric. Like so:

It looks almost like a little knot, and if that is easier for you, go ahead and tie a loose knot instead, and you can hide the tail with a little hot glue. Now, you are going to continue to twist your fabric, and make a spiral.

I add a little hot glue in at least one spot on each curve of the spiral. You are adding the glue to what has become the sides of the spiral. Be careful not to touch the glue too soon after you have added it to your flower. I have many a burn from glue that I thought was cool. Like I said earlier, I like to try and use the glue that is dripping from the gun so I don't actually have to squeeze the trigger and risk getting a whole lot more glue than I wanted. You don't need much for securing the rosette edges, just a dab will do.

Continue rolling your rosette until you have reached a size that you like. Once you are happy with the size of your flower, cut the excess fabric strip (if necessary), leaving around a half an inch or so unglued.

Twist the fabric and carefully glue down the tail, hiding as much of the end as possible.

And technically, you've already created a rosette! Admire your work, if you'd like :) But, if you want to finish it off, go ahead and get your felt.

Pick a side of the rosette that you like best, and want to be seen. I typically end up liking the side of the rosette that I was not working on with the glue, but it is up to you. On the back of your flower, add some hot glue, and attach it to your felt.

Carefully cut around your flower, making sure not to cut your rosette, but trimming as close to the edge as possible.

Now it is up to you, how you want to use your new rosette. I love using these as headbands such as this one:

After I had finished making the rosettes, I glued plastic beads in the center to create a little more accent on the flowers.

If you are interested in making a clump of rosettes, such as the one above, I would suggest waiting to glue the flowers to the felt backing until  you have all the flowers made, and you can move them around on the felt until you like what you have.

You can also turn the rosettes into a pin or a hair clip. If you decide to do a headband or hair clip, all you need to do is cut out an additional piece of felt that matches the back of the rosette, and sandwich the headband between the rosette and second piece of felt. For a clip, cut a slit in the second piece of felt for the back of your clip to fit into and glue the whole thing to the back of the rosette.

Here is what the back of my headband looks like: 

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! You can visit my blog here.

Style Tip #2: Belts

Belts are a great way to add definition and interest to an outfit.  They can showcase your creativity and make the entire outfit seem more purposeful.

Structure

Belts add structure and can emphasize the waist - always helpful!  They are a great way to wear a looser shirt and dress without it looking like a mumu (not that I don't love mumus :)).  Even fitted outfits can seem as though they are lacking something without some structure.  By including a belt, either at the natural waist or at the trouser waist, the outfit gains a more formal shape.

Interest

Belts also can add interest to an otherwise boring outfit.  In the example of the blue dress with the green jacket below, the outfit would lack a central focal point without a belt.  Similarly, with the gray dress, there would be no central point on which the eye could focus.  By adding a belt, it breaks up the outfit and draws the eye into the outfit.  Belts also tie together diverse aspects of an outfit - for instance, tying in some boots or a hat, and making the outfit more put together and purposeful overall.

Non-Traditional Belts

Finally, belts don't always have to be traditional - feel free to use an old cord, a piece of fabric, a necklace, a scarf, or take one from another outfit.  You can even just tie a built-in belt in a new way (see outfit with the pink top and polka dotted tights).  You can also belt in non-traditional ways (try over a cardigan or blouse or even a blazer).  Have fun with it!

Belt a Dress to add Structure

   

Belt a Skirt or Pants to Break Up the Outfit

Use Non-Traditional Belts or Belt in Non-Traditional Ways

(PS - feel free to click through on any of the images to see additional photos and sources of each outfit!)

April Lesson Schedule

1 - GENERAL CONFERENCE

8 - "The Immortality of the Soul" Chapter 7

15 - "Temple Blessings for Ourselves and Our Ancestors" Chapter 8

22 - "Stand in Holy Places" by President Monson (Mongolian)

29 - Joint Meeting, topic TBA

Presidency Message

Our Compass

By Brenda Christensen

In the Book of Mormon we read of a people who had an instrument called a ball or director. This compass-like instrument was prepared by the Lord and worked according to the people’s faith in God. When they were righteous and exercised faith, the spindles would point the way they should go. When their faith or diligence in keeping the commandments was lacking, the instrument would not work. (See 1 Ne. 16; 1 Ne. 18:12.)

Alma stated that the compass and its operation was “not without a shadow” or type of things spiritual. He wrote:

“For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.

“And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course,carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.

“… do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers;
for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.” (Alma 37:43-47)

What is the compass we need to look to today? It is the scriptures and words of our living
prophets. Is the way as easy as Alma says? Can we really receive all the guidance, help and direction we need from reading our scriptures? The answer is simply, “Yes.” If we are taking the time to read our scriptures daily, we will be prepared to receive the promptings of the spirit that will tell us and show us “all things what [we] should do.” (2 Nephi 32:3, 5) What easier and happier path can we be on than the one that has been shown to us by our Savior--a path of peace that will lead us through our sorrows and trials back to the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.

Even in the short few weeks of our Book of Mormon challenge, I have felt a greater influence of the Spirit in my life and have received added help in my calling. I know as we commit to do this “easy” thing --- reading our scriptures every day -- the Lord will bless us beyond our comprehension and we will see miracles worked in our lives and in the lives of our ward family.

March Activities

Playgroup
March. 7, 14, 21, 28 (W)
10 am - 12 pm
Church Building


Book Club
March 8 (TH)
8:00 pm
Reading Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Home of Jenica Hardy



Service Opportunity
March 14 (W)
6:30-7:30 pm
Bagging chicken at Arlington Food Assistance Center


Women's Basketball
March 3 @ 2:00 pm
March 10 @ 1:00 pm
March 24: Tournament TBA
All games at the stake center

"Having Your Way with Words" Poetry Series
with Wendy Hauer
March 22 (TH)
7:00 -8:30 pm
Home of Brenda Christensen


Relief Society Birthday Dinner
March 28 (W)
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Church Building
Put it on your calendar and invite your neighbors!

Style Tip #1: Working with Wardrobe Staples

Fashion Tip #1: Working with Wardrobe Staples

By Preethi Harbuck

Hello, sisters! I'm thrilled to be able to connect with each of you virtually via this fantastic Arlington 2nd RS blog. I've been a blog-lover for several years now, and have found so many interesting fashion tips, recipes, tutorials and PEOPLE who inspire me. Because what are the interwebs for if not to blatantly steal others' ideas and make them my own? :) (And what is Pinterest for if not to track all of them?)

Background
I've been in the ward for about 2.5 years. We moved here for my husband's job with the government, as well as for my MBA program at Georgetown, which I completed last May. I now work part-time from home in the public education space, doing marketing work. It's the perfect opportunity to do something I love while also doing something I love even more, which is playing mom to our 16-month old son Nat.

Why a Fashion Blog?
I started a fashion blog, lace, etc., late last year as a sort of internal motivation to get dressed and look presentable on a (mostly) daily basis. I found that as a stay-at-home-mom, it was all too easy for me to stay in my jammies all day. But I find that I feel much better about myself and my capabilities, and subsequently am more confident and productive through my day, if I actually take a few minutes to put on non-flannel clothing.

Fashion Tip
It's easy, though, in the world of fashion to see great outfits that other people are wearing and think, "I need that!" or "I need to buy ___!" But I've found that with a little creativity, most people have a lot to work with right in their own closets.

So today, I'll be giving a quick overview of how to take advantage of one wardrobe basic that you probably already have lying around your closet.

Staple #1: Basic Button Down
The quintessential white button-down. Boring, right? Wrong. This one closet staple, either in white or another color, is super versatile. And with the right layers and/or accessories, it can be anything but boring. For a classic look, try it tucked (or front-tucked) into trouser/skinny jeans or a skirt. You could button it all the way up and wear a chunky necklace or scarf over it, or you could tie it at the bottom. You could wear it under a cute dress or under a cardigan. The possibilities are endless!

   

  

    

    

         

   

(PS - feel free to click through on any of the images to see additional photos and sources of each outfit!)

Simple Craft Idea

Quick and Easy Thank You Note
By Amelia Poll

I am all about quick gratification when it comes to craft projects. And with a little one running around, there isn’t much time to spend on long, drawn out projects. These cards are extremely fast and super simple to whip up. They are also a great scrap buster because they can be made in any size. 
Supplies:

Cardstock for card

Scrapbook paper

Scissors

Sewing machine & thread or glue (I prefer a glue stick – quick dry time, I’m impatient)

Directions:

These cards can be made in any size, and with any embellishment shape you choose. I chose to make mine small – 3.25 inches x 5.5 inches. Whatever size you choose, cut out your card, and fold it in half (even faster? Use a pre-made card. I always have a stack of blank cards that are just awaiting embellishment).

I thought hearts would be one of the easiest shapes to do, so I went with some pink cardstock and patterned pink scrapbook paper scraps. To make the heart pattern, I went with the method learned in elementary school – fold a piece of paper in half, draw half a heart on the fold and cut it out – works every time.

If you are using a sewing machine, use the heart to trace and cut out three hearts, if you are using a glue stick, cut out 4 hearts. If you are one of the lucky ones to have a cutting machine, this step is even easier.

For those with a sewing machine: Once your hearts are cut out, stack all three hearts on top of each other, and place them in the center, front of your card. Using a straight stitch, sew down the middle of your stack of hearts. I lengthened the stitch length on my machine, but that is not necessary. I did one back stitch at the beginning and end of my line, but it is definitely not required.

Trim your threads, fluff your hearts, and you are done!

Now, go make a bunch more J (Yes, you can see the threads on the other side of the card. It doesn’t bother me, but if you don’t like it, you can cut out a piece of paper to fit the inside of your card and glue it down once you’ve sewn on the hearts.)

For those using a glue stick: 

Fold three hearts in half, patterned sides together. Take two of the hearts and glue one side of each to the other. Take the third folded heart and glue it to one of the other sides (it doesn’t matter which side). Glue the fourth, and only unfolded heart, to the center of the card front.

The hearts that you glued together should now form a heart shape on the back. Put glue on the heart that is attached to the card front, and attach the 3D heart you created out of the other three hearts.


Ta-done! Go make a bunch more, as well. This general technique could be used with any number of designs. I am planning to make some shamrocks using green hearts for St. Patrick’s Day – send someone some good luck for the 17^th. Have fun with these, and make them your own. It is always nice to have a cute card on hand for any occasion. Enjoy!!