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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.

Featured Post

✂️ 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...

Hello Reader, Bring a fresh look to your summer decorating with our 2026 Summer Sparkler Two Quilted Pillow Kit! Designed as a companion to the original Summer Sparkler Quilted Pillow pattern, this year's kit features updated fabrics while coordinating beautifully with the pillows from the 2025 collection! Large Pillow: 22” x 22” Small Pillow: 14” x 20” Kit Includes: All Fabric is by Riley Blake Designs 1 Fat Quarter Each: Denim Sparkler Fabric; Schoolhouse Red Star Sparkler Fabric; Lake Blue...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! If you’re looking for some fun things to sew this summer, I’ve rounded up 25 4th of July Sewing Projects for you to try. There’s something for everyone on this list, from 4th of July Table Runners & pillows to cute projects made with 4th of July fabric Red, White & Blue Sewing Projects My newest Christmas fabric collection with Riley Blake Designs, Claus & Co,...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! If you’ve been searching for a unique horse quilt pattern with a classic Americana feel, the Bluegrass Pastures Quilt Pattern may be just what you’re looking for. Inspired by Kentucky horse farms and rolling countryside, this quilt combines charming horse appliqué blocks with horse fence blocks for a design that feels both traditional and fresh. Bluegrass...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! I love to create handmade gifts for Mother’s Day. I have so many wonderful Moms in my life, and I love to show them how much I appreciate them with a simple gift. Even if you’re short on time, you may find something to make for Mom on this list! DIY Gifts for Mom If you love versatile fabric basics with a bit of personality, you’re going to be excited about the...

Hello Reader, Our monthly drops are back, but we missed April! There was a delay in shipping the supplies for our April kits, so we've decided to move that kit (wait til you see it, you'll love it) to the summer! There WILL be a May drop, keep an eye on your emails for the specific launch date! If you loved our summer pillows kit last year, I think you'll really want to pay attention this year, as the two kits would make great "friends" - *wink wink* In the meantime, we've got a few new Fat...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! Sewing your own travel accessories allows you to create pieces that fit your needs perfectly. You can choose the right sizes, fabrics, and features to suit your packing and travel style. Things to Sew for Travel APRIL PATTERN SPECIAL The Stripey Sails and Stars Quilt Pattern is our April Pattern of the Month! Grab it for 30% this month only! Shop PDF Pattern...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! Sewing with fabric scraps is not only economical, but it can also be fun and creatively challenging too! Looking for project ideas? Here are more than 30 cute things to make with your fabric scraps. Things to Sew with Scrap Fabrics APRIL PATTERN SPECIAL The Stripey Sails and Stars Quilt Pattern is our April Pattern of the Month! Grab it for 30% this month only!...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! With Easter just around the corner, I felt inspired to decorate a few eggs, but with a fresh twist on the traditional approach. I had a collection of fabric scraps from past projects and thought they’d be perfect for something creative. Fabric Scrap Easter Eggs If you love a good surprise (and a beautiful fabric stash), this Mystery Fat Quarter & Scrap Fabric...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! This 12″ bunny quilt block tutorial is a fun, easy way to create a seasonal block perfect for spring and Easter projects. Designed with simple piecing in mind, this block comes together quickly and is ideal for quilts, pillows, or table décor Bunny Quilt Block Tutorial If you love a good surprise (and a beautiful fabric stash), this Mystery Fat Quarter & Scrap...

Hello Reader, Our March Limited Edition Drop is LIVE, and it's a good one! If you love a good surprise (and a beautiful fabric stash), this Mystery Scrap Fabric Bag is for you! Each 8" x 10" mystery bag bundle (each bag is close to 2lbs) is thoughtfully packed with a curated assortment of Riley Blake Designs quilting cottons; perfect for scrappy quilts, small sewing projects, or simply adding something new to your fabric collection. Includes: A selection of large fabric scraps (some up to fat...