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.