Sis Boom Guest Blogger – Rachel Hodges

Today’s guest blogger is Rachel Hodges from beautiful New Hampshire. When these stunning photos popped up on our Facebook newsfeed, we had to know more about this talented seamstress and her lovely models. If you’re ever in New Hampshire, do yourself a favor and spend part of your day at the Saint-Gaudens Park where these striking photos very taken. We hope you are as inspired by these photos as we were!

My name is Rachel Hodges and I was born in the Philippines to missionary parents. I grew up in Southern California and New Hampshire. I currently resides in Hinsdale, New Hampshire with my sweet husband, wild little children, and scheming mini poodle. I am a homemaker who takes online college courses when I can. I sporadically maintain a blog. Late at night, after the children have been tucked into bed, and with my husband snoring loudly beside me, I diligently write my first romance novel. Sewing keeps me sane.

My mother taught me how to sew when I was eight. One of my first projects was a cloth doll with embroidered hair, face, and ruffled dress. It was a deeply satisfying feeling to hold the doll, which seemed almost to have a life of its own, and realize: “I caused this to exist.” Thirty years later, I still experience that sense of wonder when I hold up a finished garment and marvel that, just a few hours ago, it was a crumpled pile of scraps on my sewing table.

It brings me joy when I can combine sewing with my other loves, which are family, deep friendships, amateur photography, and places that hold meaning for me. Saint-Gaudens Park in Cornish, NH has long held a special place in my heart. My husband and I went there on our second date. Surrounded by the breathtaking views of Mt. Ascutney, beautiful sculptures, and the neoclassical architecture, we realized we had each found “the one.” So, when I had sewed new clothing for my dear friend, Sarah Cadreact, and her two daughters, I knew just where I wanted to photograph them. Our daughters played together and ran all over the beautiful place while we chased them, snapping pictures. When they had tired out, Sarah posed in her two new dresses, looking absolutely lovely. We were having such a great time snapping pictures, we almost failed to notice her baby rolling down the hill, or our two preschoolers teetering on the edge of a high brick wall. So, we only got a few good pictures, but we had a marvelous time!

Pattern Credits: Sarah’s dresses are Sis Boom’s Carolina Mae and Sew Serendipity’s Monique Dress. Baby Grace’s dress is Scientific Seamstress’s Portrait Peasant. Lily and Zoë’s pants are Scientific Seamstress’s Easy Fit Pants. Zoë wears Scientific Seamstress’s Simply Sweet top and Scientific Seamstress’s Stripwork Jumper. All fabric by Sis Boom.

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Berwick 4

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Modified Angie and Gabriella Fae for Summer

The ever talented Jeanine, customer service for Sis Boom Pattern Co and Scientific Seamstress Fan page made this gorgeous modified back maxi Angie with bold ric rac and long Gabriela Fae’s for her little girls. Maxi dresses have been a popular warm weather dress for a few years, and these are stunners!

Head over to the Scientific Seamstress blog to learn how to modify the Angie back. For the long Gabriela Fae dresses, Jeanine added a front panel and quilting details. Just darling.

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Angie

 

Sew News Collaboration

I’m thrilled to announce our Sew News collaboration is just around the corner launching on Monday, June 22! Carla Crim of the Scientific Seamstress and Sis Boom Pattern Co. designed and developed 4 new patterns for you. They include Bonnie’s Flouncy Skirt, the Peggy Party Runner, the Wendy Weekender Bag and the Shellie Clutch. Aren’t they darling?

 

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All 4 pdf patterns will be available for purchase on Sew News starting on June 22. In addition to the patterns, you’ll be able to purchase and watch 30 minutes videos of Carla and I walking you through the patterns from start to finish.

Here are a few Shellie Clutches Carla made as teacher and bus driver gifts. I think the addition of a vintage brooch is icing on the cake.

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I can’t wait for you all to start working on these fun, new patterns starting June 22.  Don’t forget to share with me on Facebook and Instagram.

 

Decisions, Decisions…

So Katie needs your help!!  Which would you choose..Fun party coming up and not sure which clutch!!!  Do yourself a favor create the Jamie in Good Company and go dancing!! Clutches $35.00! email us Jennifer@sisboom.com!!

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Tobago….

We are THRILLED to be announcing the girl’s version of the ladies Tortola today, The Tobago pattern. The pattern Goes from size 3/6m all the way up to 13/14! Each size has the option for a little ‘V’ slit in front, and multiple cutting length options so you can have dress or shirt or anywhere in between length! The sizes up to and including 3/4 have a loop or tie option for the back to accommodate the toddler/baby head sizes easily into the shirt. 5/6 and above have a straight across back piece like the Tortola pattern. Check out Carla’s pretty niece in her dress length Tobago made from Sisboom fabric’s new line, Beauty Queen. Still need the Tortola to coordinate with your bamboozal?  Look here into the bundle available til October.   or go straight to the source…here. To see all the Tortolas and Tabagos please check in at our sister Pattern place Scientific seamstress.  Oh and guess what…

You can buy it HERE in our etsy, and until July 16, 2014 it is on intro pricing of only $5 !!!

gorgeous country set

 

 

The Jamie for the Holidays!!!

Seriously with a little shrug !!!  Happiness in the Holidays!!!!  What is up with me I am so in love with you all !!  You are having so much darn fun with Sis Boom these days!!! xoxox

We are lucky to have you in Happy Land USA.  Photo by Tim Geaney!!

Butterflies in my stomach

It’s always hard to open up your home and display your  work to the world and hope that it makes folks happy and  that it brings a smile.  I don’t really ask for much more than that.  I hope that you can see it in your home and that it touches you in a special way that handmade items have the capacity to do.  So come bring a friend there is always coffee and cookies and lots of good convo as they say on ETSY.  I can’t wait to see you. Below Katie in our latest pattern called the Angie after our beloved tester Tom’s wife.  A truly beautiful soul.  It will be at You Can Make this by next week. You know that Carla she doesn’t sleep much debuting both the Leighanna and the Angie in one month. We are so grateful to her.  So keep watching. My daughter Kate also holds one of our burlap hearts with a vintage jewel to give someone special. Oh and by the way the Angie has deep pockets and no zipper..you will make it your everyday dress!! Try Marie Madeline for Chandler in Blue!  The blue is more like the Blue in this picture.

Are you sitting down??

Wanted to give you a quick reveal of The Shana  Bell Sleeve Tunic for your Fall plans and designs!!!  It already exists all you have to do is download..Opaque tights nice knee high black boots and you are a throwback to the seventies.  Then with a sweet headband from Girls World Vibe how can you miss?  I love this longer sleeve too.  Remember long or short a dress or over pants.  You are going to be stunning.  Say hello to daughter Kate, she did me a solid and stepped in for a photo shoot with Tim Geaney!! Thanks Kate.  Download yours tonight and find the fabric here at Marie Madeline they’ve got 22 yards in stock!! Love this hipster look!!

Roll out the Red Carpet for Rosetta!

We were lucky enough to have Katie home for a few days last week… so what did we do? We scooped her up and made her model some Sis Boom goodies… specifically the Rosetta bag!!!

Did you know there are actually 3 size options? Mini (S), Purse (M) and Tote (L)- all of which come with the pattern PDF! Also, there are three options for edge finishing (overlocked, narrow hemmed, and double thickness ruffles), so don’t worry if you don’t have a serger!

The Rosetta bag is currently our only (and most favorite) PDF bag pattern. We have seen our Sis Boom friends mix it up like none other!

The options are limitless and it is a very versatile shape and design that appeals to little girls and moms alike. I bet you could even talk your college gal into carrying her books in one of these beauties!

A Rebecca & Shannon Reminder!

If you haven’t already, you’re definitely going to want to check out our newest patterns, the Rebecca and Shannon shift dresses!!! We are LOVING this Honey Child / Queen Street combo paired by the fabulous Carla Crim of Scientific Seamstress!! What would your shift dress combo be??

Hurry up and whip yours up before the summer is over!! (Pssst – You can also wear it into fall with some cute tights and a cardigan).