… Fruitful Hands. . .

When my dear friend Jackie Steves (of the Noble Wife)  told me that she was going to do a book. . . I just knew that it would be wonderful. . . because I know that she puts her heart & soul into her designs. . . 

. . . & when her book arrived the other day. . . it was better than I had even expected!

It's titled, 'Fruitful Hands' - 'A collection of sewing projects & recipes to nurture your soul.'

. . . & when Jackie asked if I would be interested in being a part of a book blog tour for her new book. . . I jumped at the chance! . . . because I don't want anyone to miss out on such a down-to-earth & wonderful experience that Jackie brings to us on the pages of 'Fruitful Hands'.

I told Jackie that I'd like to pick out my favorite project & recipe. . . & I soon realized that it would be harder than I first thought!. . . The more I looked over the pages. . . the more I realized that there were so many things I wanted to try & make for myself!. . . But, since there will be more folks part of this book blog tour (see below!). . . I'm making myself just show one project & one of her yummy recipes (that are scattered throughout the pages).

For my favorite the project that I want to make first (too many favorites now!). . . I'm choosing the 'Heartfelt Home' Floor Mat.

If you know me. . . you know that I love wool, & this project is so charming (& is so Jackie!). . . & I can't wait to get started! Wool is so lovely to work with. . . & if you've never tried it - this would be a great project to start with!

For my favorite recipe from 'Fruitful Hands' - I picked the 'Sunshine Chicken Soup'.

I'm a soup girl - through & through. . . & even though it's in the middle of summer . . . just reading the ingredients (chicken breasts, veggies, onion, garlic, lemon. . . !) makes me want to be sure I have it on hand. . . summer, fall, winter, & spring!

. . . So now you know what's in store for me. . . (at least the first things!). . . but before I end this post, I just have to share one more thing. . .

If you are familiar with Jackie's work - then you know what a wonderful artist she is. One of my overall favorite things about 'Fruitful Hands' is that Jackie's art work is throughout. . . not only in the projects, but also in the diagrams & illustrations.

Here's one of her illustrated instructions. . .

. . . & I mean, really. . . how sweet it this? . . .

. . . so don't miss out giving yourself (& friends!) a wonderful book, filled with charming projects & the sweetest illustrations ever! I know that Jackie is giving away several copies of 'Fruitful Hands' & many other wonderful prizes. . . so don't miss out & give her blog a visit!

Also . . . be sure to visit these other folks this week - who will be sharing more peeks of 'Fruitful Hands' :

Monday (today too!):    Jill Finley of Jillily Studio
Tuesday:    Pat Sloan of  Pat Sloan
Wednesday:    Natalie Lymer of Cinderberry Stitches
Thursday:    Michele Foster of The Quilting Gallery
Friday:    Sandi Andersen of A Legacy of Stitches

♥ Bren