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