Sometimes the best fabric finds are the unexpected ones.
A while back I picked up one of Walmart's mystery fabric bundles. For $6, I received four yards of a colorful striped knit fabric with black, yellow, cream, peach, blue, and red stripes. At the time I had no particular project in mind, but the fabric was too interesting to pass up.
After letting it sit in my stash for a while, I decided to turn it into not one, but two shirts.
The first shirt was made using Kwik Sew 3045, a relaxed raglan-sleeve pullover. The striped fabric worked beautifully with the raglan design, creating a striking contrast where the stripes change direction at the shoulder seams. Matching the stripes around the neckline took a little extra attention, but the result was well worth it. The finished shirt is comfortable, casual, and perfect for cooler days.
With plenty of fabric still available, I also made a second shirt using Kwik Sew K3878. This pattern features a classic V-neck design that gives the same fabric a completely different look. The horizontal stripes highlight the simple silhouette, and the V-neck adds a slightly more polished appearance than the raglan pullover.
I always enjoy finding ways to stretch a fabric purchase as far as possible, and this project was especially satisfying. Two wearable shirts from a single $6 mystery fabric bundle is hard to beat. The fabric sewed easily, has a comfortable amount of stretch, and has held its shape nicely.
Projects like this are a good reminder that great garments do not have to come from expensive fabric. Sometimes the most rewarding makes start with a bargain bin mystery cut and a willingness to see what it can become.
Fabric: Walmart mystery fabric bundle, 4 yards for $6
Pattern 1: Kwik Sew 3045 Raglan Pullover
Pattern 2: Kwik Sew K3878 V-Neck Shirt
Total Fabric Cost: $6
Result: Two finished shirts and a very happy sewist