With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, we are prompted to think about romantic love. But I must admit, I've never really bought into Valentine's Day. Don't get me wrong, I love romance, really, big fan of it, HOWEVER, I don't like "traditional holidays" that mandate romance. Getting flowers on Valentine's Day or Sweetest Day does nothing for me. I guess I'm as cynical as Lucy Van Pelt when she references Christmas, but I extend the message to Valentine's Day… "It's run by a big eastern syndicate you know." : ) No, to me, romance is when Tim brings me coffee in bed, sits next to me instead of across from me at restaurants so he can hold my hand, or when he works from home on days when I am sick so he can let the dogs out. Valentine's Day can't hold a candle to real, everyday romance for me.
That's not to say I don't appreciate Valentine's Day. I love the red and pink hearts, and take it as a gentle reminder to appreciate all the people we love. At Valentine's Day, I tend to think about all the friends that have touched me life. The friends that I have laughed and cried with, those that have remained over the decades, and those whose names have long since been forgotten. Each one has touched my heart, and I use Valentine's Day as a Memorial Day of the Heart : )
Yesterday I had the joy of connecting up with a friend I haven't chatted with in 10 years. As we sat around drinking coffee, I felt as at ease with her as ever. When we left Panera's, I realized we had talked for over 3 hours. Lovely! It is to all of my friends, past and present, that I thought about when I created this applique. I can think of no finer Valentine's gift than to be able to sit around with my friends, sharing, laughing and whiling away the hours. This yummy mug of hot cocoa… actually, for me it works to call it a frothy cappuccino, is meant to be shared with friends. That's why I'm sharing it with all of you : )
On to business : ) This applique block was created to fit a 6" x 6" block, but it can be enlarged or reduced to meet your needs. Enjoy : )
The pattern for the Cup of Cocoa Applique Block can be found HERE.
The tutorial on How to Enlarge and Reduce can be found HERE.
The tutorial on How to Cut Out Felt can be found HERE.
The Stitching Glossary can be found HERE.
DIRECTIONS – Refer to pattern and photo for applique placements and cutting instructions.
Make a copy of the pattern.
Cut out felt. Transfer any embroidery markings.
Using a blanket stitch, sew cup to block using 3 strands floss.
Using a stem stitch, add the cup lines using 6 strands floss.
Using a blanket stitch, sew the side edges of the bottom scalloped band using 3 strands floss.
Using a blanket stitch, sew the side edges of the top scalloped band using 3 strands floss.
Using a running stitch, sew handle to cup using 2 strands floss.
Add French knots in the center of each scallop of the two bands using 6 strands floss.
Using a blanket stitch, sew the whipped cream to the block using 3 strands floss.
Using a stem stitch, add whipped cream detail using 6 strands floss.
Using a straight stitch, add "sprinkles" to whipped cream using 6 strands floss.
Using a lazy daisy stitch, add flowers to cup lines using 6 strands floss.
Add French knots to the center of each flower using 6 strands floss.
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PHOTO: 1-19-10
I have absolutely no applique experience but love your patterns so much that I want to give it a try.
But what do I do with the finished project?? Can you please give me some ideas. I have grandchildren so doing something for them is an option.
Thank so much.
Linda
I design the appliques to fit on a 6" square block just so they are all uniform but you certainly don't have to applique them to a block. Use our designs anywhere you'd use any appliques. So… put them on quilts or clothing. Trace them on counted cross stitch fabric and stitch them. You can make stencils out of them. Trace the designs on water color paper, and then paint or color them and frame. Transfer the design to shrinky dinky plastic, color, bake, and turn into necklaces, earrings or buttons. The possibilities are endless : )
Thanks for the ideas!!
It’s too bad I am 51, soon to be 52, because I finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up…like YOU! I have enjoyed your blog for over a couple of years now. Thanks to your and your daughter for all of the hard work and countless hours you have put into making this blog what it is. I check in often and at times when I am feeling a bit down, I come to your blog and it never fails to cheer me up! Thank you seems so hollow. It doesn’t really convey the depth of my gratitude. Your work is gorgeous. Like the comment above, I have never done applique, but yours have inspired me to try. I ordered some felt off of Etsy because I was given a gift card for Christmas. So, I am going to plunge in. I am also going to try knitting your doll. I have to finish the bears I have started for the Mother Bear Project first, but am looking forward to trying your doll. Depending on the finished size, I know you give the dimensions, but I am one who has to see it, if you catch my drift. I was thinking the dollie would be a perfect gift to put into a Christmas Shoebox that the Good Samaritan’s do every year. I had a hard time finding dolls of ethnic origin to put in this year, so opted for the safe stuffed animal. Again, thank you for being so gracious and putting your pattern on-line. I will take photo’s when I have her done. Like around September or October, if I know myself. :0)
I'm so sorry, Valerie. I somehow missed this comment when you first posted it. Please forgive! You made me chuckle. Hey, I'm 58 and still consider myself a work in progress. I always say, When I grow up, I want to be just like Michelle. (My daughter.) She came into this world with a to-do list, that she actually works off! I am truly disorganized. For every project you see me do, I've start 6 more that may never be finished 😉
I would just like to thank you for supporting Good Samaritan. It is a wonderful organization 🙂
Looking forward to seeing some of your completed projects. And, hey, stay with us, and we can both see what we're like when we grow up!
((hugs))
Very nice pattern! The color you use made it very cute! Thanks for sharing!