Remember when I posted this free refash from a cut sample shirt? Well, that wasn’t the only damaged piece I found for free that day. I also snagged a beige, polka-dot, button-down top. Even without the rip, this shirt did not have much going for it. First of all, it was 100% genuine polyester (yuck!). Add the fact that it was two sizes too big and had a weird panel-thing, and I almost decided to forgo the freebie…but I am too frugal to leave behind cute polka-dots. And it’s a good thing I acquired this shirt–it became two awesome pieces!
For the first piece, I started by cutting off the sleeves and the offensive panel. All I wanted to do was make this into a sleeveless top. Simple as pie!

Then, I pinned the armholes to be sewn, ran it through the sewing machine, and–oh, wait–it’s still two sizes too big…forgot about that 🙂 . I simply took in a few inches on each side and I was good to go. It paired nicely with a black, beige, and yellow polka-dot skirt that was also free (I love hand-me downs) and a pair of free sandals ( I love Christmas presents!). The only item in today’s outfit that I actually purchased is the belt–a $1 Goodwill find.
The second project almost did not happen. I was about to throw away the sleeve remnants when I thought to myself, “There’s got to be a use for these.” Then it occurred to me…
My Bible is falling apart. The entire map section is on an excursion, and Genesis 1-3 is planning a revolt. In short, I needed something that could keep my Bible unified. I had been looking at Bible cases online, but I had not found one that met my criteria: unique, colorful, cheap. As I searched through scrap fabric to compliment the discarded sleeves, this project came to mind.
DIY Bible Cover:
Supplies:
- Stretchy book cover
- Sleeve cuffs (or ribbon and velcro/buttons)
- Sewing machine
- Needle, thread, pins, scissors, etc.
Directions:
- If you are using a sleeve, rip the seam to remove the cuff from the sleeve. Re-seam the cuff into a single strip.

- Cut the cuff in half and sew a seam on the two new edges.
- Pull the book cover onto your Bible.
- Leaving the cuff buttoned, pin it to book cover on both the back and the front (Be careful to not pin through your Bible!)
- Unbutton the cuff, and remove the book cover.
- Carefully (so as to not sew through both layers of the book cover), sew the cuff along its seams to attach it to the book cover. Repeat of back side.
- Replace the book cover on your Bible.

And there you have it! I know that those directions are kind of confusing, so feel free to ask any questions!
2 thoughts on “One Shirt, Two Projects”