Chris
@elfkin.bsky.social
It’s all about #sewing, #art, #fashion, and #lgbtq shenanigans.
The elf in the custom #couture #tailoring business Elfkin (https://elfk.in).
Made with parts from 🇬🇷🇬🇧🇩🇪.
It should go without saying that all Black and trans lives matter.
The elf in the custom #couture #tailoring business Elfkin (https://elfk.in).
Made with parts from 🇬🇷🇬🇧🇩🇪.
It should go without saying that all Black and trans lives matter.
Pinned
Chris
@elfkin.bsky.social
· Jan 25
Lisa's #NeoVictorianBlouse (v1.1 ) is done! This figured silk chiffon that she found in Paris is a delight to behold but *the* single most challenging silk that I have ever encountered. I do not recommend it for a good #sewing time. #fashion #ElfkinCouture
February 19, 2026 at 2:10 AM
Lisa's #NeoVictorianBlouse (v1.1 ) is done! This figured silk chiffon that she found in Paris is a delight to behold but *the* single most challenging silk that I have ever encountered. I do not recommend it for a good #sewing time. #fashion #ElfkinCouture
The neckline gathers on Lisa’s #NeoVictorianBlouse have been faffed to within an inch of my sanity, and I’m finally satisfied with them. All that’s left on her is to re-attach the collar and level the hem. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCouture
February 16, 2026 at 6:22 PM
The neckline gathers on Lisa’s #NeoVictorianBlouse have been faffed to within an inch of my sanity, and I’m finally satisfied with them. All that’s left on her is to re-attach the collar and level the hem. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCouture
I'm dusting off some skills from my previous life and writing the job descriptions for the roles that are about to spring into existence at elfkin. And it's exactly as much fun as I remember it being.
Related: running a small business involves a lot of deeply unsexy work.
Related: running a small business involves a lot of deeply unsexy work.
February 12, 2026 at 1:22 AM
I'm dusting off some skills from my previous life and writing the job descriptions for the roles that are about to spring into existence at elfkin. And it's exactly as much fun as I remember it being.
Related: running a small business involves a lot of deeply unsexy work.
Related: running a small business involves a lot of deeply unsexy work.
That's the invisible zip hand inserted into the back of Lisa's #NeoVictorianBlouse. After 42" (~107cm) of those tiny stitches, my paws aren't sure if they're ready to start immediately in on #sewing the 70" (~178cm) of blanket stitches that come next to finish the c.b. seam. #ElfkinCouture #fashion
February 11, 2026 at 11:57 PM
That's the invisible zip hand inserted into the back of Lisa's #NeoVictorianBlouse. After 42" (~107cm) of those tiny stitches, my paws aren't sure if they're ready to start immediately in on #sewing the 70" (~178cm) of blanket stitches that come next to finish the c.b. seam. #ElfkinCouture #fashion
Eleni and I are carrying on with Lisa’s #NeoVictorianBlouse. Sleeves are basted on and the gathering at the caps is looking nice and even. #sewing #ElfkinCouture
February 6, 2026 at 10:44 PM
Eleni and I are carrying on with Lisa’s #NeoVictorianBlouse. Sleeves are basted on and the gathering at the caps is looking nice and even. #sewing #ElfkinCouture
Both Lisa’s #NeoVictorianBlouse & Nick’s #PinstripeTrousers soon need hand #sewing. Time to wax and iron some thread.
This strengthens, protects from fraying, and stiffens so that it’s not so wiggly. The iron’s heat bonds the wax. Otherwise it would stain the garment when pressed or wash out.
This strengthens, protects from fraying, and stiffens so that it’s not so wiggly. The iron’s heat bonds the wax. Otherwise it would stain the garment when pressed or wash out.
February 6, 2026 at 5:34 PM
Both Lisa’s #NeoVictorianBlouse & Nick’s #PinstripeTrousers soon need hand #sewing. Time to wax and iron some thread.
This strengthens, protects from fraying, and stiffens so that it’s not so wiggly. The iron’s heat bonds the wax. Otherwise it would stain the garment when pressed or wash out.
This strengthens, protects from fraying, and stiffens so that it’s not so wiggly. The iron’s heat bonds the wax. Otherwise it would stain the garment when pressed or wash out.
I’ve been relying on Headless Eleni (adjustable dressform) as I finish Lisa’s #NeoVictorianBlouse. What an enlightening experience! Like going from just being able to test code in a debugger to having an actual staging environment. My only regret is that I waited so long to acquire it. #sewing
February 5, 2026 at 10:40 PM
I’ve been relying on Headless Eleni (adjustable dressform) as I finish Lisa’s #NeoVictorianBlouse. What an enlightening experience! Like going from just being able to test code in a debugger to having an actual staging environment. My only regret is that I waited so long to acquire it. #sewing
Nick’s #PinstripeTrousers are getting love this afternoon. The back pockets are about to be stitched. For a fresh perspective, I’m following Antoine & Cabrera on this make. It’s definitely different from how my mentors taught me when it comes to welted pockets! #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCouture
February 4, 2026 at 11:33 PM
Nick’s #PinstripeTrousers are getting love this afternoon. The back pockets are about to be stitched. For a fresh perspective, I’m following Antoine & Cabrera on this make. It’s definitely different from how my mentors taught me when it comes to welted pockets! #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCouture
As I work up the numbers to grow elfkin into an actual atelier with 4 fulltime staff, I’ve learned something.
Luxury RTW #fashion brands are run by pirates who pay exactly as much to make their $1000 jeans as Levi’s does for a $50 pair. And none of them are paying a seamstress more than 10¢/piece.
Luxury RTW #fashion brands are run by pirates who pay exactly as much to make their $1000 jeans as Levi’s does for a $50 pair. And none of them are paying a seamstress more than 10¢/piece.
February 4, 2026 at 9:34 PM
As I work up the numbers to grow elfkin into an actual atelier with 4 fulltime staff, I’ve learned something.
Luxury RTW #fashion brands are run by pirates who pay exactly as much to make their $1000 jeans as Levi’s does for a $50 pair. And none of them are paying a seamstress more than 10¢/piece.
Luxury RTW #fashion brands are run by pirates who pay exactly as much to make their $1000 jeans as Levi’s does for a $50 pair. And none of them are paying a seamstress more than 10¢/piece.
Lisa’s #NeoVictorianBlouse is back for its final stitch up (for real this time). Replacing the back panels did the trick. Eleni and I are now confirming that the shoulder gathers are the best they can be before going to the #sewing machine. #fashion #ElfkinCouture
February 4, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Lisa’s #NeoVictorianBlouse is back for its final stitch up (for real this time). Replacing the back panels did the trick. Eleni and I are now confirming that the shoulder gathers are the best they can be before going to the #sewing machine. #fashion #ElfkinCouture
Front pockets, French seams and all, are attached on Nick’s #PinstripeTrousers. The tops of the inner bags will become the waistband lining a little bit down the road. #sewing #ElfkinCouture
February 2, 2026 at 11:51 PM
Front pockets, French seams and all, are attached on Nick’s #PinstripeTrousers. The tops of the inner bags will become the waistband lining a little bit down the road. #sewing #ElfkinCouture
My collection of #fountainpen inks is as eclectic my pens, from budget Pelikan 4001 to fancy Pilot Iroshizuku with plenty (Kaweco, Noodler’s, Tom’s, Waterman) in between.
Y'all, I have news. Ink is ink. Expensive isn’t better. Same goes for pens. Just keep your pen clean and use it on the regular.
Y'all, I have news. Ink is ink. Expensive isn’t better. Same goes for pens. Just keep your pen clean and use it on the regular.
January 31, 2026 at 10:41 PM
My collection of #fountainpen inks is as eclectic my pens, from budget Pelikan 4001 to fancy Pilot Iroshizuku with plenty (Kaweco, Noodler’s, Tom’s, Waterman) in between.
Y'all, I have news. Ink is ink. Expensive isn’t better. Same goes for pens. Just keep your pen clean and use it on the regular.
Y'all, I have news. Ink is ink. Expensive isn’t better. Same goes for pens. Just keep your pen clean and use it on the regular.
Today in the elfkin workroom: Nick's #PinstripeTrousers continue in the pocket phase. And I did a test stitch out of the turtle for the back pocket of Jeff's jeans. #sewing #ElfkinCouture
January 30, 2026 at 3:44 AM
Today in the elfkin workroom: Nick's #PinstripeTrousers continue in the pocket phase. And I did a test stitch out of the turtle for the back pocket of Jeff's jeans. #sewing #ElfkinCouture
Swapping out the lightweight bobbin case for the medium weight on my Singer 201. You know he's going to be laying down some beautiful silk topstitches on Nick's #PinstripeTrousers.
January 26, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Swapping out the lightweight bobbin case for the medium weight on my Singer 201. You know he's going to be laying down some beautiful silk topstitches on Nick's #PinstripeTrousers.
I did another blog! If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know the topic of vintage #sewing machines is dear to my heart. www.elfk.in/blog/vintage...
Vintage Sewing Machines FTW — elfk.in
It almost goes without saying that is that vintage machines are an excellent value. More powerful and stable than their modern counterparts, they produce superior quality stitches and offer a fully mo...
www.elfk.in
January 26, 2026 at 4:48 PM
I did another blog! If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know the topic of vintage #sewing machines is dear to my heart. www.elfk.in/blog/vintage...
I managed to get Lisa’s #NeoVictorianBlouse all fixed up and basted together this past Friday. Ultimately *both* back panels were on the wonk and were thus recut and replaced. I took zero chances with the recut and pinned that shit to the board! #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCouture
January 25, 2026 at 6:16 PM
I managed to get Lisa’s #NeoVictorianBlouse all fixed up and basted together this past Friday. Ultimately *both* back panels were on the wonk and were thus recut and replaced. I took zero chances with the recut and pinned that shit to the board! #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCouture
My Voodoo rose has decided that today is a good day to bloom. It smells like a classic tea rose combined with cherry Jolly Rancher. Total olfactory bliss. #BloomScrolling #gardening
January 25, 2026 at 6:04 PM
My Voodoo rose has decided that today is a good day to bloom. It smells like a classic tea rose combined with cherry Jolly Rancher. Total olfactory bliss. #BloomScrolling #gardening
Moving along with Nick’s #PinstripeTrousers, slant pockets are going on the front legs. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCouture
January 22, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Moving along with Nick’s #PinstripeTrousers, slant pockets are going on the front legs. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCouture
A key to elfkin’s growth in 2026 is the introduction of limited edition ready-to-wear #fashion in standard sizes XS to XXL. Which explains this sheaf of commercial blocks that I picked up at the print shop yesterday. #elfkinRTW
January 21, 2026 at 5:49 PM
A key to elfkin’s growth in 2026 is the introduction of limited edition ready-to-wear #fashion in standard sizes XS to XXL. Which explains this sheaf of commercial blocks that I picked up at the print shop yesterday. #elfkinRTW
Two weeks of rains over the holiday followed by two weeks of warm daytime sun has the garden bursting with fragrant delights. Lemons, jasmine, and Chinese perfume tree are all in bloom. Plus a few cosmos they’ve held over from autumn. #BloomScrolling #flowers
January 19, 2026 at 1:35 AM
Two weeks of rains over the holiday followed by two weeks of warm daytime sun has the garden bursting with fragrant delights. Lemons, jasmine, and Chinese perfume tree are all in bloom. Plus a few cosmos they’ve held over from autumn. #BloomScrolling #flowers
It took 2 years to work out a scalable production model for elfkin that won’t leave me unpicking buttonholes in hell for all eternity. And this Planet Money episode about the garment industry in my home town explains why.
www.npr.org/2025/07/11/1...
www.npr.org/2025/07/11/1...
Made in America : Planet Money
What people might picture when they think of "Made in America" ... might not look like the "Made in America" we have today.The U.S. does have a domestic manufacturing industry, including a garment man...
www.npr.org
January 19, 2026 at 1:17 AM
It took 2 years to work out a scalable production model for elfkin that won’t leave me unpicking buttonholes in hell for all eternity. And this Planet Money episode about the garment industry in my home town explains why.
www.npr.org/2025/07/11/1...
www.npr.org/2025/07/11/1...
It’s a little too rinkydink to be a thing I would want to use on the regular, but this gridded cardboard mat that I picked up at Mood yesterday did make keeping this silk on the square much easier. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCouture
January 16, 2026 at 8:46 PM
It’s a little too rinkydink to be a thing I would want to use on the regular, but this gridded cardboard mat that I picked up at Mood yesterday did make keeping this silk on the square much easier. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCouture
I just finished my re-read of Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy and am now casting my version of the movies in my head. Joe Manganiello is definitely playing Zeb, Rita Moreno is Pilar, and Aubrey Plaza is Toby. I could also see Hunter Doohan as either Crake or Adam. #books
January 16, 2026 at 4:36 PM
I just finished my re-read of Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy and am now casting my version of the movies in my head. Joe Manganiello is definitely playing Zeb, Rita Moreno is Pilar, and Aubrey Plaza is Toby. I could also see Hunter Doohan as either Crake or Adam. #books
And now for double extra fun, I'm finishing up the year end bookkeeping. Just need to reconcile November and December against account statements.
See also: so many parts of running a small biz are sooooo unsexy.
See also: so many parts of running a small biz are sooooo unsexy.
January 16, 2026 at 12:37 AM
And now for double extra fun, I'm finishing up the year end bookkeeping. Just need to reconcile November and December against account statements.
See also: so many parts of running a small biz are sooooo unsexy.
See also: so many parts of running a small biz are sooooo unsexy.
Went to Mood this afternoon for Jeff's shirting (a super summery cotton voile) and some stretch denim options for matching jeans. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCollection
January 16, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Went to Mood this afternoon for Jeff's shirting (a super summery cotton voile) and some stretch denim options for matching jeans. #sewing #fashion #ElfkinCollection