Many thanks to About.com

About.com's Stephanie Brown kindly mentioned HPP last week in her Babies and Toddler's blog. Here's her Link Love for the week of July 13th.

Kind words from Baby Luxe

Many thanks to Baby Luxe for this great review of Hand Picked Pumpkin posted last week.

As a mom of two boys, I’ve never really gotten into the whole “boutique” clothing trend. Never a fan of Jon-Jon’s or monogrammed bubble romper’s for my boys; I am proud to outfit my boys in more rugged wear, made to stand up to my rough and tough boys that wear them.

However, my entire mindset changed when we were approached by one fabulous hand-made boutique; Hand Picked Pumpkin! What is so great about Hand Picked Pumpkin? Well, like yesterday’s post, it is designed with you, the “creatively-challenged” mom { and gift-giver} in mind!




Choose from many custom-designed or ready-made outfit combinations, all made with a select handful of perfectly coordinated color swatches. I actually did some cute custom-designed shorts & a ready-made top, which matches perfectly {Alex’s outfit is almost identical to the one shown below}. Let me just say this: custom designing is addictive! Choose your garment, size {up to 24 months} interlocking fabric color, and several different trim options, right down to the flap on the back pocket & the snaps on the overalls.



My package arrived wrapped like a present - what a joy to open, and so perfect for a new baby gift! After weekly washing & wearing for over a month now, the little shorts set we have is still in perfect condition. The material is so soft & forgiving to my little busy-body’s high level of activity & he looks downright adorable in it!

Handpicked Pumpkin also offers a fun twist on the usual playdate, moms night out or baby shower: trunk shows! Show off the amazing designs & let your guests have fun customizing something special. Hostess’s earn discounts too! Check out the site for more details.

Kind Words from Simple

Many thanks to Simple for their review of Hand Picked Pumpkin posted below.

"hand picked pumpkin was great to work with. I love how you get to design your own clothes. They have fantastic designs and colors to chose from. So modern and funky! I love earth tones and bright colores together. I love all one piece outfits with snaps at the bottom....so I wanted to try out the Long Sleeve Lap Playsuit and I chose Chocolate Brown (my favorite) for the knit part of the body, and the cuffs and neck part are outlined chocolate stripe. Just simply adorable. The fabric is so soft and cuddly. I have not seen a company that does this. Where you pick the design, style, fabric, and colors of your whole outfit. So you will always get what you want.
BUY IT: Long Sleeve Lap Playsuit for $58. They have MANY other fantastic clothing items that you will just love. Go start creating our outfit today."

Kind Words from Cool Mom Picks: Hand Picked Pumpkin: A Set in the Right Direction

Many thanks for Cool Moms Picks for this review of our new Pocket Tee & Bloomer sets.


I tend to steer clear of sets for my kiddos. Sure, they're an easy grab when you need to dress them in a snap, but other than that, they're not hugely versatile, particularly when you're trying to get the most bang for your buck.

But sometimes, I just can't resist, like these adorable tee and bloomer sets from Hand Picked Pumpkin. Designed and handmade by owner and mom Allison Case, these two-piecers are the perfect romp-around outfits for summer babies, featuring bright, uniquely patterned fabrics for both boys and girls.

And the best part is that you can use the bloomers under skirts separately, or lose them altogether on cooler days and pair the t-shirt with some jeans. Now that's the kind of set I can get my wallet out for. -Kristen

Kind Words from Tot Trends

A big thank you to the editor of Tot Trends for featuring Hand Picked Pumpkin in her editor's blog last week. Here's what she had to say:

Create a custom look for your little one by shopping Hand Picked Pumpkin. Choose from ready made designs or create your own look by selecting from their availabel fabrics and colors. The clothing is not only stylish but comfortable too!

The Babble Review: Hand Picked Pumpkin

Many thanks to Babble for this review of Hand Picked Pumpkin!


Want to fool your playgroup into thinking you have a secret life as a designer? Put your kid into a Handpicked Pumpkin ensemble – stat! The jumper shown above is of their own making, but you can also log on and create your very own outfit. How it works: Pick an item of kiddo clothing, choose the size and then customize via fabric choice (we like the retro yippee and hot dot brown). The cuteness is in the details, whether those details are hidden snaps and pockets or a mix and match hot mess.

Kind Words from Tot Snob: Bespoke Clothing

Many thanks to Tot Snob for this recent review of Hand Picked Pumpkin:

I am always on the hunt for cute baby clothes that are somewhat unique. I hate showing up somewhere, and all the little boys are wearing the same Baby Gap clothes. And don’t even get me started on the lack of boys’ clothes, compared to girls clothes! With all this in mind, I was very impressed when I saw Hand Picked Pumpkin. The adorable clothes, which have a celebrity following, are available either in ready-made outfits, or you can customize them. All of the clothes are made of comfortable, yet chic, soft knits and modern woven prints. And the boys’ clothes are just as cute as the girls! If you need a great gift, check out their beautiful blankets and burp cloths. I also like that the company is environmentally responsible, and that they donate a portion of their profits to children’s charities. Available at www.handpickedpumpkin.com.

Kind Words from Go City Kids

Many thanks to Go City Kids for this feature today!

Be forewarned: designing and creating your children's outfits can be a bit addictive. Blame Hand Picked Pumpkin, makers of unique and stylish baby clothes that you can customize in three easy online steps.

Start by picking a clothing item - like a onesie, romper, or top. Then choose your size, and customize with fabric colors and patterns. Fabrics are soft and functional, the construction is easy to get on and off, and the pieces wash and wear well.

Oh, and trust us, nobody else at playgroup will be wearing the same thing.

GoCityKids Tip: Not into designing your own? Choose from an array of ready-made items on the site. Unique gift sets and gift certificates are also available.

Our Handmade Space featured on Modish

Many thanks to Modish for highlighting Hand Picked Pumpkin this week in their feature Handmade Spaces.

Below you'll find a copy of the interview. Click on Modish to see the complete feature with photos!

Handmade Spaces: Hand Picked Pumpkin
Today I have the space of Hand Picked Pumpkin to share, where the creator, Allison, makes her line of adoooorable, custom baby clothing. Let's see where it all takes place!

What do you create in this space?
This is the Hand Picked Pumpkin design studio where we create a modern line of limited edition and custom baby clothing. This space is headquarters for many, many tasks from pre-production brainstorming to sample fittings and alterations to fabric and product storage to marketing, accounting, order fulfillment, and anything else I find myself responsible for while nurturing a growing business.

Please describe what we see in the pictures a bit:
I have bins where the smaller quantities of woven fabric are stored for easy access while cutting each custom order. You’ll also find stacks of woven bolts. You can also find my size 18m dress form used for first round fittings before I go the extra step and test fit on real tots, and some finished pieces hanging ready in the closet. There are two racks of tag board patterns as well as shelves of small pattern pieces, and a packaging table where I try and neatly store all the goodies I need access to when shipping out orders including tissues, stickers, ribbon and enclosures for wrapping gifts, promotional look books and sample swatches.

How do you feel when you enter your handmade space?
I feel extremely happy and lucky when I come to work each day. I did not always do something that I loved and so I am extremely grateful for the position I find myself in now.

Wow, this space looks mighty organized! Thanks for sharing it with us Allison!

Kind Words from Canada

Many thanks for York Region Baby for this review of Hand Picked Pumpkin posted today.

Sometimes shopping online isn't that exciting, but Hand Picked Pumpkin has changed all that. From creating your own customized outfit for your little one to when it arrives it the mail, it truly is a fun experience.

The past month has been an exciting month for the Illinois based company, as their custom made designs ended up being worn by Angela Basset's twins on the Oprah Winfrey show!

Hand Picked Pumpkin is different from all the rest! They create custom designed clothing and accessories for babies and toddlers. It is truly a fun an interactive shopping experience.

Everything from burp clothes, onesies, rompers, hoodies, pants and more. You simply choose the pieces you would like made and then choose which fabrics you would like --everything from hip and cool to cute and girly.
Visit Hand Picked Pumpkin for more information and to order your custom kids clothing.

Kind Words from Design Mom

Many thanks to Design Mom, Gabrielle Blair, for her notes today about Hand Picked Pumpkin. I love the way she layed out our site graphically for her readers!

Hand Picked Pumpkin


Have I told you about Hand Picked Pumpkin already? It's like choose your own adventure, but for baby clothes. You start by picking from a great selection of baby and toddler basics in thick, soft, interlock knit — all the classic playwear shapes are available. You pick the base fabric color. You pick the accent fabrics for the trim. You can mix and match to your heart's delight.






Design a hat to go with a romper. Design a hoodie to go with some pants. Because we all have a little Project Runway trying to get out.

Kind Words from Mommies with Style: Customize baby's Spring wardrobe

Many thanks to Zareen at Mommies with Style for posting this review last night on our Spring line.

"It may still be chilly out but spring is coming. The weather….the clothes… One thing that always gets me excited for spring is buying spring clothes! Last fall I reviewed Hand Picked Pumpkin for their adorable custom baby clothing. You can custom design pieces to add to your child’s wardrobe in cozy, stylish, high quality fabrics. I can’t tell you how much fun it is to design your piece, wait for it to arrive, and see your own creation on your little one.

Hand Picked Pumpkin has recently introduced a “Gifts and Just Because Treats” section with all products under $40. This spring, Mia, will be sporting the pocket tee and bloomer from this collection. The perfect spring play clothes. One of Mia’s most go-to outfits from the fall and winter has been her Hand Picked Pumpkin Hoodie. We both love it. It is so very soft and comfortable. I love seeing her in it – she looks soo cute – the interesting trim and fabric combinations make it a really unique and stylish piece. We are both excited for the spring line.

For a fun activity at your next playgroup or Mom’s Night Out you can now host a Hand Picked Pumpkin Trunk Show. You will have samples of the fabrics and you and your guests can spend the party as mommy fashion designers. Visit Hand Picked Pumpkin’s website for more details."

Kind Words from Petit Elefant

Many thanks to Petit Elefant who posted today about Hand Picked Pumpkin.

"This clothing line was created by Allison Case, a mama who knew what kind of clothing she needed for her son {comfy crawling clothes} but couldn't seem to find anything stylish & functional, so she decided to create her own. The result is an adorable line of well-made, comfortable clothing for both boys and girls. You can customize the pieces to your liking, or choose from the darling selection of ready made outfits.

Not only does Hand Picked Pumpkin offer sweet clothing for your children, they're dedicated to being ecologically responsible in the course of doing business:


Hand Picked Pumpkin was founded on the belief that companies need to make decisions that will better both their community and environment. Since its initial launch in 2006 Hand Picked Pumpkin {makes} green efforts {which} include contracting with local seamstresses, purchasing domestic materials, recycling, using non-toxic cleaning products and incorporating energy efficiencies in the design studio. We have also made a commitment to donate a percentage of yearly profits to national charity organizations that specifically center their efforts on helping children."

Kind Words from Seven Dogs and a Baby: Custom Cuteness You Can't Resist!

Many thanks to Seven Dogs and a Baby for this lovely review:"I love to find adorable and unique baby clothes for Connor and nothing pleases me more to have something that is one of a kind (or at least one of not that many!). Nothing is worst than going to the mall and seeing three kids with the same outfit.

With Hand Picked Pumpkin not only will your son or daughter be absolutely adorable but the odds of someone else showing up at a birthday party with the same outfit is pretty slim, not even if you told all your friends about it!

Hand Picked Pumpkin takes some very simple designs and puts a whole new twist on the basics. You pick which design you want and then you get to customize each part of the outfit in the fabrics and patterns YOU want! Its incredibly fun but I warn you it took me over an hour to pick out one outfit as I kept changing the design back and forth. In the end I had to send my top three picks in and let Allison (the owner of Hand Picked Pumpkin) choose for us, as I just couldn't do it!

In the end we got a blue overall pants romper with the most adorable brown polka dot fabric for the straps and a stripped fabric for the inside and pocket lining. The overall itself is soo soft and though usually I am not a huge overall fan this one takes the cake for cuteness.

This whole custom clothing business could really become an addiction. I'd really like to get the long sleeved crew playsuit for fall as well as the custom hoodie!

Run on over to Hand Picked Pumpkin and check out their clothing, I highly recommend you at least play with their garment builder (pick anything you like and "customize" it) its fun!"

Kind Words Today from Boston Mamas: Pick of the Patch

Many thanks to Boston Mamas for their lovely review posted this morning: Pick of the Patch
"There’s a lot of cool indie kid’s clothing out there, but Hand Picked Pumpkin’s designs (for 3 - 24 month-olds) are destined to rise to the top of your laundry pile. Choose from ready made clothing or build from scratch; simply select a garment style and size, then decide on fabulous fabric options using HPP's garment design tool. And if you can just pick one item, grab a hoodie. This piece is constructed of snugly, solid contrasting cottons for the body and lining, then accented smartly with patterned fabrics on the pocket, hood, and hood liner. The hoodie isn’t meant to be reversible, but it very well could be; it’s gorgeous whether right side or inside out."

Kind Words from Classy Mommy

Many thanks to Classy Mommy for her kind words. "The genius idea behind the stylish and custom clothing designs at hand picked pumpkin impressed Classy Mommy last year. You can purchase ready made styles or you can customize any of their clothing designs to match the unique personality of your own tot. Choose the fabric for pockets, trim, body, and even the color of the snaps. We love the Cream Rodeo Kids fabric for the baby boys. I'm thrilled to see this company is growing by leaps and bounds. Founded by a Mom, hand picked pumpkin has got it going on! An easy to use and fabulous website, trunk show opportunities, and Angela Basset even dressed her twins in hand picked pumpkin threads for their cameo on Oprah!"

Kind Words from Baby Fashion Gift Blog: Clothes as Unique as the Child Wearing It!

Many thanks to Baby Fashion Gift Blog for their kind words and photo collage of our line. Hand Picked Pumpkin...Clothes as Unique as the Child Wearing It!

Emme looks adorable in her Hand Picked Pumpkin shirt dress!

Kind Words from Mommy Perks: Baby your baby at Hand Picked Pumpkin…

Hand Picked Pumpkin received some kind words from Mommy Perks this week:

What is Hand Picked Pumpkin? An awesome concept that allows you to customize your patterns of the items you order… you can’t get more personalized than that! I reviewed their Single Contoured Burp Cloth in the Spring Pals Print and let me tell you, it was cute! They are made in the USA, hand-sewn from 100% soft woven cloth and lined with absorbent terry. Nothing like a modern burp cloth to replace those old plain white ones. They really have a great selection of patterns to choose from. Hand Picked Pumpkin has caught the eye of Brooke Shields and Courtney Cox Arquette; I am sure they will catch your eye as well. Check them out at www.handpickedpumpkin.com

Behind the scenes

I took a few pictures of the design studio today for an upcoming editorial that I'm very excited about.


I particularly like this shot of our pattern racks. And this shot of our woven bolts.

HPP featured in Texas Family Gift Guide

Many thanks to Texas Family Magazine for featuring Hand Picked Pumpkin in the Holiday Gift Guide. The limited edition Jessica shirt dress and Jesse overall pant are featured on page 58 of the November/December issue.