elfkin

elfkin, 7 months ago to FiberArts

There’s an epic thread trimming session ahead of me yet, but Jorge’s denim vest is otherwise complete! Even I am impressed with all of this deco stitching. Whereas the vest itself used up less than a whole bobbin, the deco stitching used over six bobbins’ worth of thread. A new personal record. #sewing #tailoring #couture #MenWhoSew #artist #lgbt #ElfkinLaunch

Front view of a denim vest with marigold stitched on front pockets and brass jeans buttons down the front.
Back view of a denim vest, showing a large marigold covering its entirety.

elfkin, 4 months ago to FiberArts

Members of the #sewing hive mind in the general vicinity of Los Angeles, I have a request for assistance. Do you have a sewing machine that you're not currently using? Would you be willing to loan it out for couple of months?

I'm going to be teaching a sewing class at the local trans community center soon, and we need machines for folks to use. I'm looking for about 8 machines. Old is okay.

Boosts appreciated!

elfkin, 9 months ago to random

Added to list of words I never expected to write while living in SoCal in the summer: I need to get the garden ready for the coming hurricane.

elfkin, 6 months ago to baking

5.5kg/12lbs worth of winter spice and cherry poundcakes are finally in various stages of cooling. #baking

elfkin, 10 months ago to FiberArts

Pieces are cut for a test stitch of the booty jeans I drafted up for @motoridersd. The last time I worked with stretch denim like this, the World Trade Center was still standing. Should be an adventure! #sewing #ElfkinLaunch

elfkin, 2 months ago to FiberArts

Hey there, #sewing hive mind! I am on the lookout for an obscure Pfaff part. It's #6603, a shank adapter for industrial models 138 and 238. Exhaustive searches of English-language internet places have yielded nothing. And I've hit the limits of web page translation technology's ability to search in German. Any assistance that anyone could provide would be appreciated and rewarded.

elfkin, 2 months ago to FiberArts

If there's anything that I've learned in my many years of #sewing and making #art / #photography, it is that there is no such thing as "correct technique.” If your way of making a thing gets you the thing that you wanted, then you used the correct technique for you.

Which isn't to argue against trying new techniques. It's just to remind that in all creative endeavors (and lives), many paths lead to the same result. It's okay to pick the one that suits you and not worry about the others.

elfkin, 8 months ago to FiberArts

The fussy pocket stuff is done and the fly is in on Armond’s short shorts. Love how quickly this design sews up! #sewing #MenWhoSew #lgbt #artist

elfkin, 7 months ago to random

Also from the oven this evening, a tray of whole wheat sesame rolls for our daily bread and a couple of ficelles made with the extra dough. #GlutenFull

elfkin, 6 months ago to cooking

I love a curry that cooks in the same time as the rice that it’s ladled over. Per usual, it’s Madhur Jaffrey for the win with a mushroom coconut delight. #cooking

elfkin, 3 months ago to Fashion

Here's the sketch of the last of the looks for Nick - daytime formal. I was able to give him the modern version of the frock coat with this butter yellow morning coat. Plus some more dragon action on the waistcoat pockets! Now to comp up some mix-and-matches and alternate colors. #couture #fashion #sewing

elfkin, 10 months ago to FiberArts

To my fellow creators, a reminder that practice makes progress, not perfection.

Just left the Vancouver Art Gallery where we took in the Fashion Fictions exhibit, and it. Was. Fabulous.

But looking closely at the pieces, I couldn’t help but notice that “high fashion” doesn’t always mean “great sewing.” So many wobbledy topstitches, warped baby hems, and roughly turned facings.

Be gentle with yourselves and your makes, friends! It’s about expression, not perfection. #sewing #artist #crafts

elfkin, 1 month ago to photography

Ian (1997) from #SVA97. #photography #film #portrait

elfkin, 11 days ago to FiberArts

I'm starting to see kaftans as the omelettes of #couture #sewing. The simplicity is deceptive, and making a great one is not easy.

Aligning, and maintaining alignment, of big pieces of shifty, silky print fabric in a perfect rectangle requires extraordinary patience and time. Choosing the right spot to cut the fabric is an art unto itself. Almost all neck treatments require a lot of hand stitching. And French seams on the shoulders need mitering at the ends or they look ugly.

elfkin, 1 month ago to photography

Zomnia (1997) from #SVA97. #photography #film #portrait

elfkin, 1 month ago to cooking

Eggs in mustard sauce over some steamed broccolini for lunch today. #cooking

elfkin, 1 month ago to FiberArts

The commission for Paul’s first #RibbonShirt is all done, save a thread trim and wash. My only regret is that I haven’t a mannequin on which to display it for photos.

Like all Elfkin creations, this shirt is made from a custom pattern drafted exactly to Paul’s measurements and was assembled to classic #couture standards. #sewing #art

Same shirt seen from back with a matching ribbon decoration.
Closeup of abalone button.
Closeup of shirt cuff.

elfkin, 1 month ago to animals

Fergal has decided that the pressing table is better used as a perch to observe the neighbor’s hummingbird feeders and is in no mood to move. #CatsOfMastodon

elfkin, 24 days ago to FiberArts

Please welcome Elfkin exclusive model, Chad, showing off the second kaftan commissioned by Bernie. This is designer print silk chiffon with a solid raspberry chiffon liner. I even managed to work some of that bias tape in as a finish on the inner hem.

Fun fact: those are my Grandma Kay’s (of #MyOldGreeks fame) ombré sunglasses. #sewing #couture #lgbtq

Closeup of kaftan’s neck line exposing chiffon lining.
Closeup of yellow and burgundy ombré bias tape finishing the inside of the kaftan’s hem.

elfkin, 19 days ago to photography

Untitled #3 (2011) from #WeHoPride2011

#photography #lgbtq #portrait

elfkin, 14 days ago to FiberArts

There will now be a brief break from the ribbon shirt so that I can stitch up more kaftans. The theme of our Pride brunch this year is Mrs. Roper in St. Tropez. I cannot resist making kaftans for hubby (big 80s geometric print), my sister (turquoise koi on gold), and myself (pink and green magnolia print). Not only will we look fabulous, but it’ll be good advertising for Elfkin. #sewing #couture

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elfkin, 14 days ago to photography

Untitled #7 (2011) from #WeHoPride2011

These boys may be the actual definition of adorkable.

#photography #portrait #lgbtq

elfkin, 9 days ago to random

A couple of shots from today's big queer brunch (category was Mrs. Roper in St. Tropez). There are, of course, the kaftans for @socalgecko, my (chosen) sister, Kat, and myself. And the brunch spread before it was decimated by the ensuing crowd.

Happy Pride, y'all!

A carb heavy brunch spread with banana cake, whole wheat rolls, ciabatta, salami, smoked salmon a variety of cheeses, jams, capers, pickles, red onion, and onion quiche.

elfkin, 1 month ago to FiberArts

The third, and hopefully final, toile for Paul’s #RibbonShirt is done. Having a stock of pre-drawn collars is very much paying off. I was able to cycle through a few convertible collars before settling on this one.

This is also my first time tracing patterns at the stitch line and cutting the allowances freehand. It was much less scary than anticipated.

Also used new spool converter on my 201 for the first time. Waaaay better than a thread stand for cross-wound spools. #sewing #couture

A horizontal thread spool peg attached to the top of a vintage Singer.

elfkin, 12 days ago to photography

Untitled #9 (2011) from #WeHoPride2011

Ah, to be young, smooth, and covered in pore-smothering body paint.

#photography #portrait #lgbtq