Meet Nicolette von Kriegenbergh | Chainstitch Embroiderer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicolette von Kriegenbergh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicolette, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from a little town called La Verne, but spent the majority of my adolescence in Pomona, Ca(the next city over). I have 3 younger siblings, parents who are still together, in love, and both being full time creatives in their own right (dad- a graphic designer/mom- a clothing designer). My parents have always been so supportive and the ideal north star of hard working people. I got my first job at 15 at the Glasshouse in Pomona (a staple music venue in the heart of downtown). I quite literally grew up in that venue, taking photos of bands/artists, selling merch, and even being a runner from time to time. My high school years were probably the most impactful of my life, I ended up going to a different school than my classmates in La Verne, which is how I ended up going to a charter art high school in Pomona. I found a voice there, I got to channel every creative outlet that I could, and I made some life long friendships there which at this point, are family members to me. Pomona has my heart always.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Professionally I had been working in the music festival world for a really long time, and it wasn’t until I got a job with Lot Stock and Barrel as their event coordinator that I got a chance to observe chainstitching in person. I had been living in Long Beach and commuting to West Hollywood for work, so to pass the time I would jump on the machine after hours to learn more about it since I have only ever sewed on a regular sewing machine. I would see all the projects that would come from design to the final product, and it was just so fascinating to me to see how you could transform this garment into literally a piece of art. It wasn’t until the pandemic that I fully immersed myself in the medium, and by that time, Josh had gifted me (along with our friends and family) my very own machine to work on(I KNOW HE IS INCREDIBLE I COULD CRY).
From there I would just spend so much time listening to music, looking through old typefaces, and choosing a song I love to make a patch for. I started to post my personal projects on Instagram which created this domino affect of friends, and then strangers asking me to make them something. This all happened so organically, and I wasn’t necessarily looking to start my own business either. I just kind of lead by what felt right to me, what made me feel good. And quite simply, I wanted to create something that made me proud, something to look forward to when I wake up every morning. Life is wild, weird, and if you’re able to go through the ebb and flow of it, everything falls into its place as it should.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To Nalleli and Vannessa- this one is for you. If my best friends were visiting, I would start their trip off where we always go to-with cocktails at Bamboo club, the tiki joints of all tiki joints, where the vibes are high at this tropical paradise. (food is most excellent too) We are lovers of ceviche (shout out to Tia Chuchita’s ceviche unless you’re invited to the family bbq you’ll never know) but we’d definitely get our fix at Playas Ceviche and Tortas off of Carson St. for lunch. Then would roam the aisles of LB Antique Mall 2 to geek out on some history, vintage clothes, and furniture.
We’d then grab a bottle or two of natural wine from Wine Country up in Signal Hill, and drive down to the bluff to have our own little happy hour. We will probably be starving by then, so we would head to downtown LB to have the most amazing, beautifully prepared, and the TASTIEST meal in Long Beach- Rose Park on Pine. The wine/beer/sake list is curated by the most knowledgable gal named Sasha, and the incredible meal we’d be having would be made by the hands and creative brain of Chef Melissa. If you live near or in Long Beach and have not made it for their dinner or brunch, 1. what are you doing? 2.stop making excuses and just go already!
Us three ladies love a good show or soul music to dance to, so we’d end the night at The Grasshopper on Anaheim to cut the rug, or Vine to catch a local band or two, or three?!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are quite a few names that I have to give some love to- but let’s start with my chainstitch embroidery community. I have made, met, and learned from so many amazing creatives in this insanely cool community. Phil Rodriguez (@pcr_sewing_industries) is the man, the myth, the legend who taught me how to repair denim and chainstitch, he is someone I will always respect and love dearly. Matthew Miller(@matthewisms), James Cardenas(@houseoftown), Wells Brown(@wells_brown_), and Matias Barrera(@matiasbarrera72) who also showed me the ropes of chainstitching, all incredibly talented and super sweet dudes to boot.
Cecile(@cecile.b.moxie), Tina(@tina_vines), and Noah(@stitchrite) are also among these talented people who I have to give thanks to, they’ve become my chainstitch family once I went on my own! (I won the lottery finding friends like them)
My mentor, Doc Guthrie, of LATTC Sign Graphics- the man who whipped my ass into shape in regards to routine, time management, and being the most brutally blunt but most loving person I have ever met in my life. Learning from Doc with all the lessons and advice is something I will carry with me everyday.
And saving the best shout out for last, my partner Josh Nardo. He believed in me more than I could have believed in myself during one of the hardest times. My cheerleader, support system, sometimes business manager/coach, but ultimately my best friend. I can only wish and hope everyone has a Josh in their life. I’m happy I have this one all to my own though.

Instagram: @ceremonychainstitch

Image Credits
All photos have been shot by me on my iphone 🙂