ME Awareness Week 2012 [Scream?]

If you've followed this blog for a while, you'll know that both my husband and me suffer from ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). The thing with ME, is that it covers a vast array of symptoms, and is really an umbrella term for an array of illnesses, with similar symptoms, which haven't been individually identified yet. As such, there is no cure. For the next week, I just want to share some of the main symptoms I experience.

Time to break the silence. Make people aware of ME. Get funding to find a cure. Time to scream.

Skirt to Dress Transformation

My sister recently had a clear out of her clothes, and I was lucky enough to inherit this skirt...

I love the floral pattern, and I knew immediately what I would do with it...

 I attached two strips of black cotton tape to make straps, and rethreaded the dried up elastic.

I made a really simple but effective belt from a strip of wide black elastic and a black cummerbund clip. (Seriously, so easy.)

And... Hello new summer dress!

Thanks again to my wonderful husband for the photos :)
And May the Fourth be with You! Sorry today isn't Star Wars themed, I think I'm still all geeked out from the last couple of months...

Denim Jeans Skirt

 Several years ago now, I came across a skirt online... It was made of layers and layers of denim jeans, and I fell in love.

Somewhere, I made a bookmark, I saved a photo. I started collecting every pair of jeans I wore through, hoping one day I could make one for myself.

One day, and after a quick nip to a charity shop to buy some extras, I had enough pairs. But, I'd lost my original link.

Hours and hours of searching later, I found it. One Of A Kind Skirts.

I had an image in my head again, and I set to work.

I pinned and repinned. Tacked and retacked. I broke a sewing machine and was given a new one. I blunted a needle and broke a needle, and bought new ones. I unpicked stitches and sewed bits up again.

And finally, I handsewed my clothing label, "Creatively Chaotic" down a seam. The finishing touch.

With huge thanks to my husband for some wonderful photos :)

Tried and Tested Tip Number 8 [Tissue Paper Flowers]

This week, I want to share a tissue paper flower tutorial from the wonderful craft blog, Crafty Little Me. 

Rachel shares a great little tutorial to make these flowers from layers of tissue paper. The options are endless, with different coloured tissue papers, painting tissue paper, and holding them together with brads, buttons and beads.

The formation of a flower, courtesy of Crafty Little Me.

I've used them on several cards over the years, both large as features, and small as accents. I like to use buttons in the centre, stitched together with clear thread. You can choose how ruffled you want the petals, too.

I really enjoyed making them, and I highly recommend her tutorial. Check it out here! A great accessory for any card, on any present, or to brighten up your project.

[Apologies for slightly poorer photo quality, I dipped into my archives for these!]