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.

Reposted by Chris

victorstew.bsky.social @victorstew.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

The garment shown laid flat and hanging. I am pleased as punch with the finished product. I just need to give it a steam and I'm all set. I love how whimsical and fun it is with the mix of colors and patterns. #upcycled #patchwork #sewing #streganona

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

I love the ruffles! More is more. They might also be interesting in a complimentary solid?

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

I know that dressform! So useful. Well done on the final adjustments.

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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

The truth is that on most plain weaves, the difference between right/facing sides is almost imperceptible. So I doubt that anyone ever clocks that you’ve used the facing side on accident.

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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 · 26/07/2026

I’ve been using the three kaftans that Bernie ordered this year as an excuse to finally get my head around the commercial technique for bias binding a neckline (no pins, pretty mitres, only ironing at the very end). And y’all, I’ve seen the light. #sewing

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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

For those following along on my accompanying side quest to master the standard commercial #sewing method for dress shirts, it took me 2 hours after lunch to attach and finish sleeves, close and finish side seams, and attach the collar. Slow by factory standards but warp speed in the Elfkin workroom!

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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

My 201 is, by a wide margin, my favorite sewing machine on earth. Having a formidable industrial zigzag machine (Pfaff 238), I’ve never felt the need to explore that attachment for the 201.

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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 · 26/06/2026

WeHo City is piloting municipal fiber internet along our stretch of Sunset Boulevard. Which I love! Less enjoyable, the stereo jackhammer crews working at two different corners of our block. It’s been going for 90 minutes straight. <eye twitch>

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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 · 19/06/2026

Who’s my little push button espresso?!

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

Exact ratios for those who wish to try at home. 55g loose leaf Ceylon 15 drops food grade bergamot oil 12 drops rose blossom essence 6 drops orange blossom essence 6 drops Fiori di Sicilia Drip all flavoring into a lidded glass jar, swirl to coat walls. Add tea, cover, shake, let rest two days.

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

My experiments in home made Earl Grey tea continue. Ready for sampling this morning is a super floral blend that is, naturally, primarily bergamot with the addition of rose, orange blossom, and Fiori di Sicilia. I. Am. In. Heaven. #food

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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 · 18/06/2026

Oh hey, did I mention that I picked up a new #ElfkinCouture customer out of the blue yesterday? A former colleague is back on the dating scene after a long hiatus and wants to look his best. He’s a triathlete, so I won’t have to work *that* hard at it.

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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 · 17/06/2026

Too true! I’m slightly embarrassed to list off all of the additional essential oils and dried citrus peels that have been acquired to fuel this budding obsession.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

If you want to try for yourself… 110g unflavored, loose leaf black tea 30 drops food grade bergamot oil Drip the oil into a glass jar and swirl it around to cover the sides. Add the tea. Put on the lid and shake. Wait 24-36 hours before sampling.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

The first batch of home made Earl Grey tea has been brewed into a cuppa, and OMG!!! Utterly delicious as milk tea. My only regret is waiting all of these years to try doing this. #food

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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 · 05/06/2026

I'm adapting my #DandyShirt design to ready-to-wear in standard sizes. If you've followed me for any amount of time, you know that I have Thoughts™ about standard sizes. Not nice thoughts. But there's no escaping them now. I may need a Silkwood shower when I'm done here.

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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 · 04/06/2026

Out sourcing kaftan fabrics today, and I may need smelling salts. The freshly imported Italian silks are now $160/yard. They were $80/yard last year. And $40/yard the year before. I’m so fucking done with this absurd grift that we call the U.S. economy.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Am I the only old stoner who finds all of the premium flower less and less enjoyable for having ever increasing amounts of CBD? It’s only the budget brands that seem to have <0.05% CBD* for at least the past year in LA. *Any more than that and I can feel my pulse in my teeth.

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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 · 29/05/2026

Dental implant #3 (of 8) has been bolted in, and I now have a complete half mouth's worth of teeth again. I'm gonna chew so many things as soon as the anesthetic wears off.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

For my own sanity, I've started translating this in my head to, "I just remembered that time we were hanging out and miss you." Because I think that's actually what folks mean most of the time. Not that they actually want to go to the effort of hanging out *again*.

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Chris @elfkin.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Is this is an LA thing?… A friend sends a lovey message saying that they want to hang. So I immediately check my calendar and propose dates. Friend’s replies can be distilled as, “I’m just too busy to friend!” Young me took this as a challenge to “make it work” somehow. Middle aged me is like 🤷🏻‍♂️.

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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

Related: I’m looking for two or three more wear testers (I’ll send you a free bag!) for these bags. DM me if you’re in the U.S. and interested.

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