New Exclusive Collab Merch: Sitting Down with Lina Sinishtaj From PS Chainstitch – The Interview

At TGR, we’re all about the intersection of raw creativity and outdoor culture. So when we found an artist whose work people literally try to rip off your back, we knew we had to team up and go deeper. Meet Lina Sinishtaj, the mastermind behind PS Chainstitch. Hailing from Upstate New York, Lina brings a truly unique, hand-crafted vibe to the table with her incredible chainstitch artistry. Her pieces aren't just merch; they're super boutique, incredibly desirable, and infused with a genuine soul that our community absolutely loves. That's why we're beyond stoked to bring her back for round two! The product is undeniably rad, her process is next-level, and Lina herself is pure creative energy. We're dropping two of her four killer designs now, so get ready to snag a piece of this art – and keep your eyes peeled for the second half of the drop later in 2025!

What initially drew you to the art of chainstitching, and how did Pumpkinseed come to life?

Lina: I grew up surrounded by women that embroidered and sewed, so I was drawn to the craft. I hand embroidered as a hobby for years and became interested in the western wear suits worn by country western greats like Hank Williams, Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton and many more. This led me to discover Nudie Cohn and Manuel - they led the way and created a medium for chainstitch embroidery on clothing to shine. I learned about the machine and the process and was lucky enough to land an antique chainstitch embroidery machine around 2017, and focused on perfecting my craft. 

Your style has such a distinct, almost vintage vibe – where do you draw inspiration from?

Lina: Definitely, the vintage look of classic western wear suits as I mentioned. I think the masters - Nudie & Manuel - created a blueprint for how to create a bold look that stands out. The antique machine creates a look that is not like modern embroidery. There’s a tactile look to it, the embroidery itself reads in a vivid way when being worn that is unique and provides a feel that is different from what a modern embroidery machine can do. 

Beyond the stitch, what are some key influences that shape your overall aesthetic and design philosophy?

Lina: Obviously, the Grateful Dead, Dead & Company and the community of makers around the band is a huge inspiration. The whole Lot scene drives a communal vibe that encourages sharing and creativity. I also draw a lot from traditional tattoo art, the simple but bold art is a guide for the look that I’m trying to achieve.  I’m an avid fly angler, so strive to bring imagery inspired by my time outdoors to my work.

Chainstitching is incredibly unique and tactile. Can you walk us through a bit of your process? What makes it so special or challenging compared to other embroidery techniques?

Lina: A modern embroidery machine is a computerized process with multiple needles that can create a very detailed image. Chainstich embroidery has many different needle sizes that create different sizes & textures, but each one is used individually and the machine is controlled via a hand-crank. There is a human connection to each part of the process - the stencil is applied by hand, each thread color is changed out by hand, the image is filled in via the hand directing the machine, and finally each thread is tied off. This gives a unique image each time, so each piece is one of a kind.

Your pieces are known for being highly sought-after. What do you think it is about the chain stitch, or your approach, that makes them so unique and desirable to people?

Lina: A lot of my work is custom, so my clients can create a unique design that can be applied to a piece of clothing that they pick - whether its a new piece they love or something that holds a memory. 

What's the most intricate or challenging piece you've ever created using this method?

Lina: I worked with a Scandinavian artist to translate one of their works to a large canvas - about 6 ft x 6 ft, which they stretched and displayed. The project took a huge amount of time but the resulting embroidery added a new element to the work.

How did this collaboration with TGR first come about, and what was your initial reaction to the idea of bringing your chain stitch to our world?

Lina: I connected with TGR via the shared love of Grateful Dead / Dead & Company. My aesthetic just seemed to mesh with the vibe that TGR is trying to spread.

You've created four distinct designs for this new TGR collection. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind them and how you translated TGR's energy and spirit into your art?

Lina: The first two designs are dropping soon with the second two to come at a later date. I took inspiration from the rich history of imagery around the Grateful Dead, which is intrinsically tied to TGR and their founders.

What is your vision for the future of PS Chainstich?

Lina: The future is to keep on evolving and create pieces that people cherish. There’s so many choices out there, I want to create something you enjoy wearing and makes you feel good.

What's your own connection to action sports or the outdoor lifestyle? Does that fuel your creative process?

Lina: I’m an avid fly angler and this definitely drives me to incorporate nature in my work. I live in the western catskills which is a historically important area for dry fly fishing. The idea of keeping tradition alive by using methods developed centuries ago but evolving it to meet modern challenges - like conservation - is appealing to me. It’s the same that drives my craft, keep tradition alive but continue to develop.

We couldn't be more stoked to sit down and talk shop with Lina! Make sure you go snag some of that new, exclusive merch that just dropped – seriously, it's while supplies last. You do NOT want to miss this one!