Wednesday 5 November 2014

DIY Floral Two-Piece, Buggies & Takayasu's

First up I'm going to provide an explanation for my somewhat sporadic blogging lately! I don't want anyone thinking that maybe I'm becoming disinterested in this blog, because I definitely am not. Lately I've just been really knocked about by my autoimmune illness (which is called Takayasu's Arteritis if you're curious, ~because I know you are~).

If you don't know what it means to have an autoimmune illness, this cartoon below is basically the best way of explaining what that is (and can double-up as my science segment for today's post, hooray!):

The above picture represents some over-zealous white blood cells. While in healthy people white blood cells act to find and destroy unwelcome intruders (like cold viruses), in people with autoimmune disorders the white blood cells decide, for whatever reason, that the cells of the body are also unwelcome intruders, and destroy them as well.
To quiet down those over-excited cells, many people with autoimmune disorders have to take medications that suppress their immune systems. An unfortunate side effect of these is getting seriously knocked-out by little things like colds and infections, like the one I have had for the past entire month.

I've been pretty private about my illness for the past three years on my blog, as I have never wanted for it to be a defining feature of my life - and I'm still not going to talk about it much because that's not what this blog is about - but it is a big part of my life. Lately, a fellow tak-haver has lately begun trying to raise awareness of our illness and I want to do whatever I can to support that pursuit! Because it's a rare illness most doctors have never encountered it, making diagnosis very difficult, and it also means that there is basically zero research money for it. So if you would like to "Like" the awareness page, or even just tell someone that you learnt about a new disease today, that would mean the world to me. We even have a hashtag, #TAK ~what what, getting on that social media bandwagon!~

Now back to my outfit.
I wanted to take some proper, non-iPhone pictures in front of this cute car that parked itself near my house, but as soon as I tried it began to storm quite heavily. *Thanks, universe.* So you're all stuck with the quick-and-dodgy iPhone version of this outfit instead.
I made this two-piece set yesterday out of a thrifted vintage quilt cover. As soon as I saw the quilt cover I knew that it had to be converted into something that I could wear on my body. The print is one of the coolest I've ever encountered - not only are the colours gorgeous, when you look up close you notice that it's jungle-themed, and all these snakes, birds, gazelles and elephants jump out at you. 
Floral set is DIY | necklace c/o Now Or Never Jewelry | shoes are Rubi (old)

Not wanting to waste fabric, I even lined the top using the quilt's lining! This is definitely one of my favourite things that I've ever made.

Hopefully everything will become a little bit less stressful for me soon, and I'll be back to a more regular blogging schedule. Thanks again for sticking around, reading what I have to say, leaving such wonderful comments and supporting what I do - it's been invaluable to me when I've been at my lowest points these past couple of months.

Much love, and I wish you all a healthy, happy week!






Bloglovin' | Youtube | Facebook | Twitter |  Instagram | Chictopia | Lookbook | Tumblr

19 comments:

  1. Omg, that fabric is *amazing*! I like that you can wear this outfit together or as separates - very clever!

    I hope you feel better soon as well. My immune system is also not excellent and sometimes I end up with a seemingly never ending cycle of colds and viruses. Ugh, it sucks! But best of luck and health to you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love that fabric and the set you made with it combined with the necklace, unusual & quirky :) Thanks again, little pine needle, and I hope you're getting well very soon. Stay strong and positive!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This looks so amazing! Wish the things I've tried to make wear wearable! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is as near to perfection as it gets! You're an inspiration to me on so many levels :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I loove the two piece, I need to find the perfect fabric to make one myself.

    Hope you're felling better soon, I find it weirs there's not much research into it though? I think a friend of mine has something similar, though I have no idea what his is called. <3

    The Quirky Queer

    ReplyDelete
  6. That two-piece is to die for! Thanks for the tip. I never think of converting something like a quilt into clothes.

    Please keep us updated on your progress. What a nightmare this autoimmune disease must be! :/ Heading to the Tak page now. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I hope you start feeling better soon. I'd imagine getting down with something for a month must be so frustrating. :/ But I'm glad you've still got enough energy to keep on sewing, hopefully that'll keep your spirits up. This two piece is really lovely btw. :}

    ReplyDelete
  8. Firstly, thank you for sharing all you craft posts! I'm in the process of organising my craft gear from all its (hoarding!!) boxes so I can actually USE it, and I plan on making a circle skirt dress by following your instructions.

    Secondly, I love your approach, and I am so thankful for your honesty. I'm going through testing for auto immune conditions right now, and it's a pain. But it's not the be all and end all of who I am. It's really... Refreshing (?) to see someone who possibly thinks the same way I've been trying to think.

    Thank you for being the wonderful you xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Aah can't wait for your tuto :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love all of the clothes that you make! I've made quite a few dresses based on your tutorials. You're awesome :) wishing you better health!

    ReplyDelete
  11. That's actually pretty great quality for an iPhone! Outfit is very on-point. Hope you're feeling better Annika!

    xx

    Ellen

    www.ellenbourne.blogspot.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  12. Awesome! I would love a tutorial, I have some fabric that would be perfect for it.

    Miranda
    Little Gold Pocket Watch

    ReplyDelete
  13. The outfit and photos look great despite the iPhone pictures (I'll be waiting for the tutorial!!)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love how informative your blog posts are! And you're so good with making clothes!
    xx
    nat
    http://crashingfashionshouse.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  15. the print is amazing! its good that you are raising awareness and I sincerely hope you feel better soon

    http://cheap-skatefashion.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  16. I seriously love that pattern! Well done.

    And I hope you're feeling better!!


    chloex
    www.bythelock.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Very cute!

    http://alamodest.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm so sorry your autoimmune disease is acting up so badly. I can't imagine having to live with something like that. I hope it eases up soon.

    You look super cute in this outfit though. I love this print and how great it looks with your hair. The yellow car is a great photo background too!

    Jamie | PetitePanoply.com

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a message! I read every single one. Don't forget to check back for a reply if you leave a question! ♥

Related Posts with Thumbnails