Designer of the Week - Gock's Frocks
This week get to know Kristen Gocker Hallagan
of Gock's Frocks. She lives in Rochester, NY
with her husband and three kids; Klem 9, Eily 7, Leo 5 in April.
See her current eBay auctions: gocksfrocks
JM: When did you get started sewing and creating?
KRISTEN: 
Oh gosh...My grandma gocker taught me to hand
sew when my mom was pregnant with my brother ~ I was 8 & we made a flannel quilt together for my brother...he in turn gave
it to my son when he was born! Then in junior high we made a prarie skirt & petticoat together LOL, am I dating myself...
and in high school I took a semester long sewing class with a fabulous teacher and I have never looked back!
JM: When did you start selling your designs on eBay?
KRISTEN:A little over a year ago. I sell online at ETSY, (www.gocksfrocks.etsy.com), www.theboutiqueplace.com, as well as a local boutique in Pittsford NY and another in Santa Monica Calif...In the fall I also do a series of homeshows/trunkshows in the Rochester area. I also have a blog: www.gocksfrocks.blogspot.com
Before hitting ebay, oh gosh...that could be a long list LOL, most recently I was teaching ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) in teh ROchester City Schools...but I have also taught English abroad, worked for a sailmaker, a caterer.....
JM: Do you remember the first outfit you sold on eBay?
KRISTEN: I think it was a pair of embellished overalls ~ we had friends over for new years eve and they are big ebayers so they showed me how to list my first auction ~ we got out soem things left from my home shows and enlisted the various children as models and they helped me stage the photos etc...kind of a unique way to ring in the New Year! I think I got $25 dollars!
JM: How did come up with your name, Gock's Frocks?
KRISTEN:
My nickname in HS was Gock as my last name
was Gocker, and my Grandmother Gocker was the person who taught me to sew, so I thought it would be a neat way to acknowledge
that by choosing Gock's Frocks .
JM: Do you belong to any boutique group?
KRISTEN:I am VERY recently an independent designer...I had been with a group since last summer that provided me with the support & encouragement I needed to do as well as I have but felt I needed a new challenge in order to continue growing and developing creatively.
JM: Do you have a favorite item to create?
KRISTEN: Something New! My mind is constantly in motion thinking and planning my next designs.
JM: If you could learn some new skills, what would they be?
KRISTEN: 
New skills...there are so many things I would love to learn...I plan to get a new digital SLR so photography and
graphics are on the top of the list, I also would love to learn lampworking and jewellry design using precious
metal clay ...I am also fascinated with all of the beautiful Japanese Craft Books - amigurimi and nuigurimi to
name a few...I think it is important to keep learning new skills your whole life...it keeps your brain actively
engaged and you stayyoung at heart!
JM: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
KRISTEN: I have always wanted to travel through Asia and India! I lived in Europe for 3 1/2 years and was fortunate enough to visit almost every country in Europe but I have always dreamed of Vietnam...Thailand...Japan
JM: What other things do you enjoy besides sewing?
KRISTEN: Reading, Cooking, Sailing, Skiing, My Kids!
JM: Anything else you would like to add?
KRISTEN:I want to thank Journal Modiste for interviewing me... I first discovered JM about 18 months ago when I googled "handmade childrens clothing" on the web, (before I had even found the boutique community on ebay) and it has been one of my favorite sites since!
Do you have a question that you are dying to ask Megan? Comment about something she said or designed? Post it here and she will answer it!
Leave a comment:
Comments
sweet*sunshine*boutique | Tuesday, September 4, 2007 8:38 AM | flag
Fab interview from one of my FAVORITE designers! We love your Kristen!!!
~Jennifer
| Wednesday, April 25, 2007 8:05 PM | flag
Way to shine girl, you are sooo very talented and always creating new looks! Keep up the great work! :)
~Heather
Becky (upsiedoodle) | Monday, April 23, 2007 11:17 AM | flag
Great interview, Kristen. I enjoyed reading it!
kristen~gock's frocks | Friday, April 20, 2007 7:56 PM | flag
thanks ladies! I was thrilled when Amy contacted me as I have been a fan of JM from the start!
Jen(bella-bee*boutique) | Friday, April 20, 2007 9:50 AM | flag
Go Kristen! Your designs are so spledid and I have been a HUGE fan of yours for quite some time...Great interview and super cute clothing!
(((hugs))))
Jen
Christa | Thursday, April 19, 2007 8:27 AM | flag
Yeah Kristen!! Great interview from a fabulous designer. :) Congrats!! Christa
Patty/modkidboutique | Thursday, April 19, 2007 7:59 AM | flag
KRISTEN!!! How fun to read your interview! You are incredibly talented and such a nice person. I am honored to call you my friend and I know you will go far!!! Patty
Monkey*Doodle | Thursday, April 19, 2007 7:29 AM | flag
Congratulations, girl!!! You are truly one of the most talented designers I know, and you SOOOOOO deserve this feature! WTG!!!!
Carol
Mary * Sweet Pea Totes | Thursday, April 19, 2007 5:09 AM | flag
Congrats Kristen! Love your interview! Love your designs and looking forward to having you guest with us Wisterialane girls for our launch in May. :)
Mary
Some past Gock's Frocks Designs
To view past Designers of the Week
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