Every so often, we like to check in with the ladies over at The DIME Store and highlight one of the makers whose work they sell in-store. This month we hear from Rachel Nichelson from the handmade clothing outfit, Madeline Wood. Nichelson has been making handmade clothing for both adults and children for years now and has her work sold all over the place. We think she's pretty cool and that her clothes are, too. Read on to find out what drew her to fashion, how she manages to appeal to all age groups and find out about her brand new collection!
DIME: So first of all, what's the skinny behind the name "Madeline Wood"? Because the word on the street is that your name isn't Madeline. ;-)
Rachel Nichelson: Yes, I know it might be a little confusing and I have occasionally been called Madeline at shows. But Madeline Wood is actually just a simple recognition to my grandmother. And now it is also my daughter’s name. You might say Madeline Wood embraces the past and present.
What first drew you to fashion?
I can always remember loving fashion and creating with my hands, even as a little girl. But in my early teen years I got the opportunity to work in a small womens boutique. I loved unpacking the inventory and seeing all the new styles. Dressing up the mannequins and setting up the window displays was amazing. I fell in love with fashion.
We love that your dresses and accessories for little girls are just as tasteful and timeless as your line for adults. What do you love most about designing for youngsters and adults alike?
I have always loved how little girl clothes embraces more of a whimsical feeling. A few years ago I had a strong desire to start adapting my women’s designs for little girls. But recently some of my little girls designs I have been adapting for my women’s collection. Its so fun how they can be interchangeable. But what brings me the most joy is when my daughter asks for one of my dresses in her size!
At the DIME Store, we see everyone age 20 to 80 drawn to your adorable shirts and blouses. What do you think makes your work so appealing to basically everyone?
I hope its because they are drawn to my colorful fabric and simple vintage inspired silhouettes. I love color and patterns both in modern and vintage fabrics. I am also fascinated with vintage fashion and use it for inspiration when designing. Blending these all together you get colorful timeless fashion, and I think that is what draws women and girls of all ages into Madeline Wood.
We love your material choices! How do you go about finding your eclectic fabrics?
I have been collecting fabric for years, you might say I am bit of a fabric hoarder. I buy surplus fabric, which is designer and manufacture leftovers and misprints. And I will scour the internet and estate sales for vintage fabric. I also have found some great pieces at Scrap here in Denton.
“My dream is for Madeline Wood to be in boutiques across the country and world wide.”
What are you most excited about with your new collection?
I am so excited about the fabric I found last spring and the new styles I have added to my own wardrobe. Although every piece is my favorite, I was ecstatic about the hound hunting fabric I found and for the last year would daydream about it as a mini skirt! I am delighted to finally introduce the Marie skirt to my Etsy shop.
Where are you hoping to see Madeline Wood go in the future?
My dream is for Madeline Wood to be in boutiques across the country and world wide. I would love to see the wholesale side of Madeline Wood grow. But for now I am focusing on my Etsy shop and I hope to see it flourish.
How did you get involved with the DIME Store?
Well I met Rachel and Shelly when I participated in one of the Etsy Denton Handmade shows a couple years ago. I was invited to bring in my garments when DIME opened a year ago, but it wasn’t until February this year that I finally brought Madeline Wood to the DIME Store.
Aside from the DIME Store, where can we shop your work?
You can find Madeline Wood on Etsy or in my studio by appointment.
Any advice for aspiring makers?
Do what you love, work hard at it and develop your skills. Don’t compare yourself to others or worry about mistakes, just learn from them. Trust your instincts and love what you make!