The Handmade's Tale: Gock's Frocks

The Handmade's Tale introduces you to independent, self-taught artists who toil away creating beautiful and inspiring pieces. Please welcome the lovely indie artist and blogger Kristen Gocker Hallagan.

Who: Kristen Gocker Hallagan

What: Clothing Designer
Where: Gock's Frocks

When: Kristen's been sewing since high high school but has been selling her designs on Etsy about three-and-a-half years now.

Why: "I was sewing for my own kids when a few moms complemented me on their outfits and mentioned they would love to be able to buy something similar so I decided to give it a try," she says. "Then recently a few women had asked if I could make them skirts like my kids skirts thus my yoga line for women was born!"
Her Philosophy: "I get bored making the same thing over & over hence my tag line.... 'Individually Inspired Design.' I love to play with fabrics, colors, patterns and textures to create unique, often one-of-a-kind designs."
Her Inspirations: "My kids, nature, a glimpse of ruffle, funky hem lines, the fall leaves.... everything around me."

Justine Handmade Girl's Peasant Top, $35
This bubble-style peasant top in a gorgeous blue damask has an elastic at the waist, 3/4 length sleeves, button closure at the neck. Also available in pink, sizes 12 months to 12 years.

Hazel Handmade Girl's Three-way Peasant Dress, $65
A side-tie closure at the neck and a reversible, removable apron makes for three unique looks! Available in sizes 12 months to 12 years.

Pink Stained Glass Handmade Girl's Skirts, $30 each
Gorgeous pink stained-glass print A-line skirts accented with a lime green ruffle. Features elastic waist, flirty ruffle and professionally finished seams. Comes in a variety of styles, coordinating applique tees available upon request.

Grape Damask Girl's Ruffle Hem Pants, $32
Handmade ruffle hem pants in a sweet grape damask print from Michael Miller. Can be made full length, capri or Bermuda shorts. Available in sizes 12 months to 10 years.

Custom Applique Tee, You Design It!, $25
Thanks to many requests for coordinating shirts that match her skirts, Kristen creates custom designs in both long or short sleeves. May include but are not limited to: heart, flower, bird, initial, guitar (pictured), star, peace sign, or any shape taken from pattern in the fabric. All appliques are heat bonded and zig-zag stitched for a slightly frayed effect.

Where to Buy: Check out Kristen's blog where she features the latest designs, offers yummy recipes and displays some fantastic photography. Then head on over to her Etsy shop where you can browse through her adorable collection of handmade children's tees, pants, skirts, dresses and more! You can even purchase the fabrics Kristen uses at her other shop, Betty's Closet. I love the idea of wearing one-of-a-kind designs... and there's so many cute things here to choose from!

Want to be featured in Cinnamon and Honey's Handmade's Tale? Please leave a message here or send me an email by clicking on "Contact Me" at the top of this page.