iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Someone’s special order #NaNClutch is all done and ready to ship! #sewing #fashion

A bright orange envelope shaped bag with an orange belt wrist strap and a shiny brass button at the peak of the flap.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Well that’s a smart looking bag lining, even if I do say so myself. #sewing #fashion #NaNClutch

The lining of a clutch bag made of pink and orange floral on a white background.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Why yes, it is time to cut the fabric for a custom #NaNClutch (+passport pocket) order that came in from earlier this week.

A long stripe of pink fabric next to a long stripe of orange fabric, partially covered on the top by pattern pieces and in the middle by complimentary floral fabric.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

File under: there’s a first time for everything. In 40+ years of buying and #sewing fabric, this is 1st time I’ve seen any mark on a plain weave fabric to indicate the facing (“wrong”) side. Related: pinholes in the selvage will always feel flat on the facing side and bumpy on the right side.

The corner of a swath of pink fabric stamped with “FACE SIDE” in blue ink held above the tub of a washing machine.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Second round muslins of Relâche’s #SummerBrunchShirt and leather shorts (eventually, presently bull denim) near completion. #sewing #fashion

A pair of mostly assembled denim shorts atop a mostly completed short sleeved shirt.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

The hunter green sample of the now postponed but still forthcoming ready-to-wear #DandyShirt, along with its rose sibling, are as done as they’re getting for now. All is on hold while I secure a new source of re-orderable cotton shirting. #sewing #fashion

A button up dress shirt with French cuffs made in dark green. The yoke, cuffs, and inner collar band are a complimentary green on olive floral ditz print.

A button up dress shirt with French cuffs made in rose pink. The yoke, cuffs, and inner collar band are a complimentary lavender on dusty rose ditz print.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Elfkin generally relies upon pre-transistor technology, but I let some modern tech in. To wit, MySQL is fab for keeping track of ~200 bobbins for 4 different #sewing machines. Thus begins 30 linear yards (27.4 meters) of side hemming on the fabrics for Bernie's kaftans. #fashion #ElfkinCouture

A laptop screen opened to show a database table of bobbins in front of three individual and separate piles of folded fabric. Left-to-right: purple and yellow hibiscus on white; stylized 1960s-ish orange and pink flowers on shimmery gold; red and white magnolia flowers on French blue. Next to the laptop, three bobbin cases fanned out next to a rotary bobbin holder.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

The rose sample of the forthcoming ready-to-wear (in sizes XS-XXL) #DandyShirt approaches completion with just the cuffs left to attach. The hunter green sample is somewhat less integrated but will come together in no time. #sewing #fashion

A mostly assembled rose pink dress shirt with pink floral accents on the yoke, under collar, collar band, and cuffs. It’s very tall French cuff pieces lie atop it, flat and unattached. To the left and behind the rose shirt, its twin in dark green lies in a neat pile of pieces.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

All pieces are cut and ready to sew for the first two proper samples of the ready-to-wear #DandyShirt. With a little luck, these will be available for actual, factual sale in men’s sizes XS-XXXL in about three weeks. #fashion #sewing

Cut pieces for a button front men’s shirt in hunter green and dusty rose lie in discreet and separate piles on a table.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

After what feels like eons #sewing nothing but plain muslin, colors and prints have returned to the workroom! Bernie chose these four saucey digital print rayons for this year’s kaftans. #fashion #ElfkinCouture

Large pink and orange feathery florals on shimmering gold ground.

Large watercolor hibiscus flowers in yellows and purples on a white ground.

Huge scarlet flowers that look like single petal camellias or maybe magnolias on an electric blue ground.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Cherno Alpha and I spent the morning stitching up a canvas muslin of Relâche’s #MéridaLeatherShorts. It’s been a season since the old beast (a Singer 111W so old he has no reverse) has had anything to do. I’ll put on the waistband after lunch, and that’ll be that. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCouture

A pair of shorts in plain muslin canvas lie next to the head of a brutal looking silver sewing machine.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

That’s muslin #1 of Relâche’s custom #SummerBrunchShirt all done and dusted. Moving right along to the muslin of the accompanying shorts. #sewing #fashion

Muslin of a short sleeved shirt with a button front and banded collar.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Presto change-o, that’s Raye’s pants sloper turned into a pattern for a pair of #MéridaLeatherShorts. Now for muslins! #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCollection

Pattern pieces for a pair of shorts lie upon a gridded table.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Moving right along, Raye’s virtual fitting went swimmingly last week, so their slopers are ready to be adapted into all of the things! First up, a #SummerBrunchShirt. #sewing #fashion

Pattern piece for a shirt front lies on an expanse of pattern paper.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

The Muses haven’t wanted to do anything that’s not the forthcoming RTW #DandyShirt, but I managed to lure them away for a while to find complimentary solids to go with this wonderfully theatrical print that Raye provided to use as the back panel of their custom #SummerBrunchShirt. #sewing #fashion

A highly stylized Japanese print next to a swatch book for solid color poplin fabrics.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

As one does on a Monday morning, I’m timing my two buttonhole-capable machines to see which is fastest. The old 201 stitches a buttonhole ~2.3x faster than the new HD6800. Even if a double pass buttonhole on the 201, is *still* ~20% faster. And I repeat: vintage #sewing machines are the best.

A modern, gray plastic sewing machine next to a vintage black enamel sewing machine.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Step 2 of the quick quick pro shirt #sewing method is the same as any good method: prep the collars, sleeves, and cuffs. A big difference is that the collar and cuffs are finished on all edges except where they attach to the body. For those keeping track, this took me 1.25 hours.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Thought I’d share details of the lickety split pro shirt #sewing method I’m practicing with muslins of the RTW #DandyShirt. The strategic use of interfacing to define collar, cuff, and placket shapes is essential.

Rough cut scraps of muslin with fusible off collar and cuff pieces attached.

Front plackets, one shown open to expose interfacing strip.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Muslin #2 of the RTW #DandyShirt has been fitted. Just a couple more tweaks to the back neck and back armscye, and I should be there with my standard Gay Medium size. #sewing #fashion

A plain muslin shirt and accompanying pieces lie flat on a table.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Relâche’s #ElfkinCouture order includes a commission for a custom sun shirt type thing made of some beautiful shibori silks that they’ve collected. The winning design is this very The Dude Abides beach tunic. #fashion

Pencil sketch of a male form with an arm extended as though leaning against a wall. The form wears a baggy tunic with a laced front and hood.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

This Chinese perfume plant (Aglaia odorata) is no great garden beauty, but the fragrance! It’s hard to beat year round blooms that smell of lemon zest. Though marketing chains that it “thrives on neglect” are a total crock. #gardening

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Old Zak is fitted with his straight stitch foot, and all of the pieces are prepped for a muslin of the ready-to-wear #DandyShirt. It’s another chance to practice the super fast shirt #sewing technique that I’m trying to master. <cracks knuckles>

Pieces of a button up shirt lay on a table next to an old industrial sewing machine.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Now that I’ve recovered from the shock of current silk fabric prices, it’s time to stitch up fresh toiles of Raye’s slopers. We had a great virtual fitting yesterday. Now I need to confirm all of the pattern alterations. Also, I get to try my new rotary cutter! #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCouture

Pattern pieces for a basic shirt and pants. A still boxed Olfa cutter lies atop the pattern pieces.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Summer approaches which means that it’s time to start sourcing fabrics for this year’s kaftan commissions. First stop is the secret silk loft at my local, International Silks & Woolens. #sewing #fashion

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

That’s the muslin of Matt’s #DandyShirt all done and ready to send. That no-pins elite seamstress method rocks! It kills me to say, but the quality is as good as I’d get with fancy couture fuckery in about a quarter of the time. Someone move the coffee table. I wanna do cartwheels of joy! #sewing

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

There are now samples for each of the colors in which I’ll be offering the #NaNBag at launch next month! I just need to procure some more snaps and swivels to finish them off. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinBags

Six samples of an envelope shaped clutch bag, all but lower right (wool) made of cotton. Tldr: brown with tan lining, orange with pink lining, pink with orange lining, cyan with butter yellow lining, butter yellow with cyan lining, dusty lavender with burgundy lining.

Closeup of brown, orange, and pink bags showing various floral fabrics used for linings.

Closeup of lavender, yellow, and cyan bags showing various floral fabrics used for linings.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Also heading out in today’s post, #NaNBag samples for @queer.cool and my friend Paula to test out. #fashion #sewing #ElfkinBags

Two envelope shaped couch bags, one pink, one orange. The pink one has a pink velvet wrist strap.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

And that's toiles of Relâche's slopers stitched, pressed, and ready to ship for a first fitting. Related: how adorbs are these shipping bags that @socalgecko.bsky.social designed for me?! #sewing #ElfkinCouture

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

This just in: slopers for new #ElfkinCouture customer Relâche. So nice to have a working brain at my disposal today! #sewing #fashion

Hand drafted pattern pieces for a shirt and trousers.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Moar #NaNBag samples! Cyan, butter yellow, and chocolate round out the colors I’ll be offering. I’m feeling like the inner lining fabrics are going to be a randomized element of surprise with each bag as time goes on. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinBags

Solid color fabric squares in the colors described in post folded back on themselves to artfully display the colors and paired lining fabrics.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Outer and inner bits of the orange and magenta #NaNBag samples are ready to come together. Yes, Virginia, each uses the other as a lining color for the outer flap pockets. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinBags

Large squares of pink and orange fabric, each with a corner turned up to show that it’s the other color on the opposite side. Next to them, inner lining components for the bags made of sunset Madras and orange floral.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Now to get on with the rest of the #NaNBag samples. Starting with pink and orange. Natch. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinBags

A bundle of pink fabric paired with pink thread and orange floral print. Another bundle of orange fabric with sunset tone Madras and orange thread.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

These samples of the #NaNClutch (official name - explainer in comments) in Italian wool coat fabric have come as far as they’re going to for now. Right one has all final tweaks. The ajisai appliqué will be a customization option. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinBags

Two envelope shaped bags perfectly sized for a smart phone made of lavender wool next to a pile blue hydrangea appliqué.

Closeup of inside of one bag showing lining made of red on white toile de Joie print fabric.

Same bags down next to each other, one with a piece of the blue hydrangea appliqué placed on its front flap.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

The linings for the first proper samples of the needs-a-name envelope bag are done. Plus notes on a last set of revisions to the pattern. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinBags

Two linings for small clutch bags. They are made of red on white toile de Joie print. The lining includes pockets for coins, bank notes, phone, credit cards, and pens.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

It’s time to be making samples of the origami envelope clutch bag (it desperately needs a name!). I shopped my stash and pulled this cotton print procured in Nice a couple of years back to use for the inner lining on the lavender wool version. #sewing #ElfkinBags #fashion

A square pattern piece lies on the back of a swath of puce on white toile de Joie print fabric. Above and to the left of the pattern piece are two rectangles cut off the same fabric shown face up.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

I have no regrets about tossing some of every kind of viola seed into the garden a couple of months ago. #BloomScrolling #gardening

Two purple violas. One has a dark violet center surrounded by a band of yellow that changes quickly back to dark violet all the way to the tops of the petals. The other has a yellow center and striations of purple and white radiating from the center outward.

A yellow viola with darkest purple veins against bright yellow radiating briefly from the center and then shifting quickly to grayish yellow.

Plummy purple violas with yellow centers.

Pastel purple violas with yellow centers.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

The most tiniest little Epidendrum orchid I ever did see. Each flower is *maybe* 1"/2.5cm tall. On display at the Sakuya Konohana Kan botanical gardens in Osaka. #BloomScrolling #ElfkinInJP Related: I never regret traveling with a macro lens. #photography

A trio of fuchsia orchid flowers. One faces directly at the viewer while the other two face outward from center to the left and right. The top three petals are long and narrow with pointed tips. The bottom two petals are curled and swoop up like fangs. The center is a pinprick of dark violet with a halo of yellow that fades quickly to white which then fades into the fuchsia of the petals.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

My personal color consultant, @socalgecko.bsky.social , accompanied me to Mood to help choose fabrics for the utility clutch bag’s production run. This Italian wool coat material is almost as soft as cashmere! #sewing #fashion #ElfkinBags

Three different fabric swatches. Top: indigo hydrangeas printed on natural color slubby linen. Bottom left: burgundy silk broadcloth. Bottom left: speckled lavender wool.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Prototype #2 of the Utility Clutch (working title). An old tablecloth stands in for the slubby linen base I'll use in production. I scanned and printed the flowers from this linen that I got in Tokyo onto self-adhesive stabilizer for placement. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinBags

Four views of the same chartreuse green linen clutch bag lined with a slightly darker chartreuse cotton. The bag is shaped like a large envelope about 8 inches wide that closes with an antique brass snap at its bottom point. It has triangular envelope flaps on both sides that close over exterior pockets. Each flap has a indigo hydrangea sticker or two artfully affixed to it in order to judge final placement.

The interior of the same bag shown before its completion. It features a zip pocket for a change purse, a space for bank notes, another for a phone, an accordion for four credit cards, and two tall pockets for pens.

Natural colored slubby linen printed with indigo hydrangeas.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Here's the 1st prototype of what is turning out to be a utility clutch bag (utiliclutch?) inspired by the origami bags I saw in Japan. I'm pleased with much of it, but the zip closure at the top is incompatible with the zero waste construction and will have to be snaps. #sewing #ElfkinBags #fashion

A clutch bag shaped and styled like a large envelope. It is made of chartreuse linen from an old tablecloth and has an antique brass snap at the tip of the closing fold. The snap cannot close because the wonkily inserted zipper pulls it up short.

Same bag with the front flap opened to show a lining made of green Giza cotton. On the inside of the flap are an open pocket formed by the shape of the bag as well as a zip pocket sewn into the lining.

Same bag open from the top to show a zipper closed change purse and bill fold, and phone pocket built into one side of the lining.

Inside of the same bag, now turned to show a credit card accordion and pockets for pens.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Because variety is the spice of life, this morning's brekkie was a mashup of the Japanese Standard Breakfast Formula™ X Greece. Clockwise from upper left: chickpeas in cinnamon tomato sauce; olives, pickles onions, and cornichons; yogurt topped with ground sesame and garlic chips; rice. #food

Each of the foods described in the post in four distinct bowls. Clockwise from upper left: short brown glazed ceramic with squared off edges; stainless steel circular relish plate; Pyrex custard cup; white porcelain rice bowl. All on a blue and green abstract design placemat.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

The collection of unique Paphiopedilum orchids at the Sakuya Konohana Kan botanical gardens in Osaka overwhelmed my ability to keep track of all of the names. Here's one of the more unusual species, a little like a Miltonia with a pitcher. #BloomScrolling #flowers

A Paphiopedilum orchid flower with a burgundy red pitcher that has a golden yellow interior. Two large petals, burgundy with gold edges, wrap around the horizontal axis and bend in toward the central pitcher. One large petal with burgundy striations over a white ground fans out over the top to partially cover the pitcher from above.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Most of today was taken up with updating the Elfkin ledgers and logging receipts. This was my reward to myself. #fountainpen

A bottle of chartreuse iroshizuki ink lies atop a piece of paper in which Is written, in that same ink, “trying out some new ink that I bought during a recent excursion to Itoya in Tokyo.”

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

2/2 But it's a zero waste design with potential. So I just stitched up a rough and ready sample... only to take it apart so that I could see how I might make it more functionally and aesthetically fabulous. #sewing #fashion

Finished bag made of an old pink pillowcase on the outside and pink bandana fabric on the inside. It looks kind of like a paper envelope seen from the back side where the flap is. The handle of a yellow rotary cutter sticks out from the central pocket of the bag.

Same bag shown with front pocket flap opened to show the lining.

The bag has been unpicked and the outside/front piece lays flat. It has been marked in black marker to indicate how each portion of the initial square relates to the finished shape.

Same unpicked bag seen from the inside to show which portions of the lining are visible on the finished bag.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

The “let’s have something other than tea and toast for brekkie” trend continues this morning. I made Grexican chilaquiles with leftover chickpeas stewed in Greek tomato plus a few spoonfuls of juice from the chipotle can. And cafe au lait with cinnamon infused milk. As you do. #food

A purple bowl of ersatz red chilaquiles topped with shredded cheese, a poached egg, and cilantro. To its left, a steel spoon. To its right a blue mug with creamy coffee. All atop a green placemat.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

With some creative use of a pipe cutter, I finessed this wall mounted clothes rail affair into my #sewing room late last week. Now I have all of my muslins/prototypes, production patterns, and samples in one place. Plus space for my pattern library and notions storage. Be still my Capricorn heart.

A set of clothes rails made of black pipes, mounted into the corner of a sewing room between two sewing machine tables and large windows.

It has all of my muslins/prototypes (right), production patterns (upper left), and samples/to-mend (lower left) in one place. Plus space for my pattern library bin (on the floor pushed to the corner) and notions storage (the two stacks of boxes to the right of the pattern bin).

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

I’m back on it in the #sewing room, and Matt’s sloper has been adapted into a Dandy Shirt. Next step: a muslin. #ElfkinCollection #fashion

A set of pattern pieces for a man’s dress shirt made on oaktag paper.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Another morning of very Japanese brekkie: rice, pickles, and nikujaga (beef stew). Omnomnomnom. #food

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Winner of the Least Orchid-like Orchid at the Sakuya Konohana Kan botanical garden in Osaka: Bulbophyllum. Looking not unlike a demon's tongue, this is just the tip. The entire helical inflorescence is about 18"/45cm tall. #BloomScrolling

A rusty brown speckled orchid inflorescence shaped like a thin, twisting tongue. Along its vertical axis are tiny (¼"/6mm) bean looking flowers spaced even apart.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Being in Japan for a couple of weeks rekibled my love for traditional Japanese brekkie fare. So that’s what I’ve making since we got back. This morning is the quintessential set: rice (+chili garlic crisp), miso soup, fresh tofu, and pickles (mustard and perilla cucumber). #food

The foods described in post laid out in individual bowls on a green placemat.

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