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Polka Dot Chair; Sewing, Quilting & Crafts

Hi, I'm Melissa Mortenson, a blogger, fabric designer, and content creator. I am the Founder of the Polka Dot Chair website, where I'd love to invite you to "pull up a chair" and create something you will love with me! I have been sharing fresh and creative sewing, quilting, and craft ideas with readers since 2008, and I would love to have you join me on this creative journey.

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✂️ Sunday Stitch: Summer Block Party Info & Bluegrass Charm Fabric

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! The Summer Block Party is back for a second year, and this year we’re headed to the beach! Join us in creating a breezy mystery Summer quilt with quilt blocks designed by some of your favorite pattern designers! 2025 Summer Block Party The Bluegrass Charm Fabric collection, designed by Melissa Mortenson for Riley Blake Designs, is a cottage floral-inspired...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! Learn how to create a simple Basket Quilt block using squares and half-square triangles with our free Basket Quilt Block Pattern. 12" Basket Quilt Block Pattern - Free AUGUST LIMITED EDITION SPECIALS Even if you never win a blue ribbon at the fair, it's ok, because we've included a Blue Ribbon sticker in this month's quilt kit! The Blue Ribbon Shortcut Quilt...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! I’m excited to share another ‘Finish it Friday” quilt project with you! This navy version of my Stripey Sails & Stars quilt pattern might be my favorite project of the summer! New Finish: Navy Sailboat Quilt I’ve been quilting actively for over 10 years. During that time, I “figured out” a few things to improve my quilt piecing accuracy. Today I’m sharing five...

Hello Reader, I'm so sorry that the first email was missing the correct link; I was just so excited to share the kits that I missed a few items. Thanks for your patience! August brings the State Fair to Kentucky, and it has inspired the theme for our August kits, Blue Ribbon! The August Polka Dot Drop Even if you never win a blue ribbon at the fair, it's ok, because we've included a Blue Ribbon sticker in this month's quilt kit! Blue Ribbon Shortcut Precut Quilt Kit & Quilt Pattern Make a...

Hello Reader, August brings the State Fair to Kentucky, and it has inspired the theme for our August kits, Blue Ribbon! The August Polka Dot Drop Even if you never win a blue ribbon at the fair, it's ok, because we've included a Blue Ribbon sticker in this month's quilt kit! Blue Ribbon Shortcut Precut Quilt Kit & Quilt Pattern Make a prize‑worthy quilt without ever setting foot in the fairgrounds! Our Blue Ribbon Shortcut Quilt Kit features the Blue Ribbon Shortcut quilt pattern, designed to...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! My niece, Brooke, recently decided to make her first quilt. As an excited but unsure beginner, she asked for my help to get started. Together, we worked through the process, and she ended up making a beautiful quilt for her bed. I asked if I could share her experience to help others who are just beginning or thinking about quilting but don’t know where to start....

Hello Reader, It's nearly the end of July! I keep asking myself how that's even possible as this summer seems to be flying by! Just dropping you a line to remind you that this month's sale pattern is the Summer Sugar Quilt Pattern! Quilt Pattern is 30% off for July only! Capture the feeling of a lazy summer afternoon when you create a breezy summer quilt using our Summer Sugar Quilt Pattern. The quilt features blocks inspired by some of our favorite things about summer. The Summer Sugar Quilt...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! My grown-up kids have been visiting this week, and I've enjoyed spending time with them. It's been a relatively quiet week, and we don't have a new post this week, but we have several fun things planned for August! In the meantime, please enjoy a few recently updated projects in our archives! This Child’s Apron pattern. It’s pretty simple to stitch up and would...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! Choosing the right sewing machine foot for machine quilting can significantly impact your quilting results. In this guide, we’ll explain the most common types of quilting feet (the walking foot and free-motion foot) and help you understand when to use each one. Machine Feet for Quilting UPDATED THIS WEEK A few years ago, I created this Seersucker and Leather...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! Please join me for a quilt-along featuring my newest quilt pattern, the Bluegrass Sampler quilt! Sew along with me as we create a unique quilt inspired by the Bluegrass region of Kentucky! Bluegrass Sampler Quilt Along I recently finished a quilt that feels like summer stitched into fabric! A nine-patch quilt made using the cheerful Summer Picnic fabric...

Hello Reader, Summer is in full swing, let's enjoy all of the warm weather and sunshine! The theme for our July Polka Dot Drop is PICNIC! The July Polka Dot Drop Summer Picnic Fabric & the Gathered Quarters Quilt Pattern Our Gathered Quarters Nine Patch quilt pattern will allow you to create a stunning, beginner-friendly quilt using a selection of your favorite Fat Quarters. The beginner-friendly quilt kit contains fabric to create a beautiful nine-patch quilt! Finished Quilt Size: 54” x 81”...