Graduation Outfit!

Sorry about the first posting of this not having any pictures!  I scheduled it ahead of time, and when I was going to add all the photos I got very sick and, obviously, wasn't thinking about this post.  I've fixed it, so now I hope you enjoy it more!



So, as many of you know, this picture pretty much encapsulates my life for the next three weeks:
source

Yep, I graduated May 2, and on May 10 I'll be getting married!  I've been a bit swamped the past couple weeks, of course, but now that I've graduated, finished up my contract as a resident assistant, and moved out of the dorms, the next fun event I have to look forward to is my wedding to the best man ever!  (Am I biased?  Heck yeah.  And I'm cool with it.)

So until all the wedding madness is over (and I'm super pumped to share it with all of you soon!), I have some pictures from my graduation:





I'm really proud of my graduation outfit, I won't lie.  I made both the sweater and the skirt, the shoes are vintage 1940s, and my nylons and brooch are reproduction 1940s accessories.  I really wanted a full out 40s look because I really do feel that it represents me well in this point of my life.  Not to mention, my dad picked out the awesome flamingo brooch that I totally love!

I knitted the sweater from the Sunglo Book Series 115, and it's the Virginia 3707 pullover pattern.  I bought a PDF version of the pattern on Etsy at Granny's PDF Patterns for about $5, and it was full of eight adorable sweater patterns.  The PDF was super easy to read, printed well, and Granny even answered some of the basic knitting questions I had before getting started!  Talk about good customer service!

Then, to be certain I wouldn't have another epic sweater fail, I got a book that helped me knit everything correctly.  I knitted the pattern exactly as was called for in the pattern, same measurements, same ease, same everything.  At the bottom of this post is a summary of all the pattern details.  

I will say that everyone is right when they say vintage sweaters are VERY fitted.  When I first tried it on (and I even blocked all the pieces before sewing it together, mind you), I felt like I had just made a knitted corset.  However, after wearing it a few more times around the dorm and such, it's definitely starting to ease up and feel more comfortable.  I also think that I may be getting used to the fitted feel as well, and I don't mind it so much now.  



The sweater definitely isn't perfect in its construction (I'm still kind of a knitting newb), but I learned a lot and will definitely do better on my next project!  This sweater is still perfectly wearable and, I think, pretty great despite the mistakes.  I'm probably the only one that would even know they're there!

Outfit Details:
sweater: knitted by me!
skirt: handmade by me
shoes: Decades (Springfield, MO)
stockings: Secrets in Lace

Pattern Details:
Pattern: Sunglo Book Series 115, Virginia 3707
Alterations to fit: none, 32"/34" bust size used
Alterations to design: just exchanged the double crochet finish on the neckline (where it snaps) to a knitted section.  I didn't have a small enough crochet hook at the moment.
Type of Yarn used: Jojoland Ballad, colorway #205  (a dusty rose color), fingering 4-ply, 100% wool
Needles used: 2.75mm (vintage #12, modern US 2) and 3.25mm (vint. #10, mod. US 3)
Hours to create:  I honestly couldn't bear to count.  I know I'll get faster with practice.
For other details, check out my Ravelry Virginia 3707 project page!


Me and the fam
WE DID IT!
My RA graduating coworkers/BFFs, our awesome boss/friend and I!
My sister Aria, me, and Jacob

6 comments

  1. Congratulations!!!! *Hugh Hug* It's such a wonderful feeling graduating from college. :) You have a very exciting week ahead of you of sure. Don't forget to take some time for yourself. Make a cup of tea and find a quiet spot to relax. I'm very excited for you and wish you both the very best!! I know your wedding will be beautiful! :)
    -Emily

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  2. I can't see your outfit photos but congratulations on your graduation and best wishes for your wedding!

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  3. You tease, I can't see the photos! :P

    But congrats on graduation, and best wishes for your wedding! Can't wait to hear all about it. :) You're a lovely couple and I wish you all the best.

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  4. Pictures or it didn't happen! Congratulations on graduating, and all the best for your wedding.

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  5. Ms.Emeliegh?
    I know you are tiny but I don't even see your picture! Lol! Happy day to you on the tenth! Can't wait to see your photos! Could you please share a video of your happy day too? That would be delightful to see since so many of us can't be there to see it! Hugs! Merry from eachlittlebird.blogspot.com

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  6. Thanks so much for letting me know you're taking part in my Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge - this skirt and outfit is too cute for words! I've added you to my dedicated Pinterest board http://www.flashbacksummer.com/2014/05/graduation-outfit.html and I hope you let me know when you finish other makes so I can add them too!

    Congratulations on graduating too!!!

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