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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! With so many quilting tools, notions, and sewing machines available, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth the investment. After years of designing quilt patterns and sewing projects, I’ve found that certain products truly make quilting easier, more accurate, or simply more enjoyable. This list includes ten quilting tools and supplies I use regularly...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! Due to the holiday weekend (and lack of wifi), I'm sending this week's newsletter on Tuesday. Learn how to make a double-sided appliquéd bag tag using machine embroidery and fun foam with this free tutorial. Appliqued Embroidered Bag Tag Tutorial NEW PROJECT KITS! Make your own tablet case with our Busy Day Tablet Case Kit! This kit includes everything you need...

Hello Reader, Make your own tablet case with our Busy Day Tablet Case Kit! This kit includes everything you need to make the Medium size (approx: 8 1/2” x 12” finished size) from the Busy Day Tablet Case pattern, including the pattern, fabrics, interfacing, zipper, snap, and finishing details. KIT CONTENTS 1/2 Yard Fabric for Outside Case (note: on the Bluegrass kit, the horse fabric is a fat half yard to account for the fabric direction). 1/2 Yard Fabric for Case Lining 1/4 Yard Fabric for...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! Since it's "Aug"tober, it's time to make the Witch Hats! Stitch up an only slightly spooky patchwork quilted witch’s hat with our Spellbound Witch Hat Sewing Pattern! We've recently received a HUGE restock of the printed patterns! About the Pattern & FAQ's Shop the PDF Pattern Shop the Printed Pattern PATTERN OF THE MONTH! The Arctic Sparkler pattern is our...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! Does the start of the school year have you itching to make something new? If so, then you may love today’s post. I’ve scoured the web to find more than 20 cute things to make for Back to School. Things to Sew for School PATTERN OF THE MONTH! The Arctic Sparkler pattern is our August pattern of the month! It features two different sizes and so many fun color...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! These simple sewing ideas are quick to stitch, easy to personalize, and totally stash-friendly, perfect for last-minute birthdays, new neighbors, holiday hostesses, baby showers, teachers, and just-because gifts. All Occasion Gifts to Sew PATTERN OF THE MONTH! The Arctic Sparkler pattern is our August pattern of the month! It features two different sizes and so...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! This beginner-friendly Christmas stocking sewing pattern includes three stocking sizes and features a charming quilted bow detail at the cuff for just a little bit of something “extra”. The stockings were made with my Claus & Co fabric collection for Riley Blake Designs, but you can easily customize them with your favorite Christmas fabrics. Bow-Tied Quilted...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! If you’re looking for a quick and easy Christmas quilt to sew, the Santa’s Steps Quilt Pattern is a great place to start. This free Courthouse Steps quilt pattern combines a festive Christmas fabric panel with a single 2 1/2″ precut fabric roll to create a beautiful quilt with minimal cutting and straightforward piecing. Santa's Steps Free Quilt Pattern JULY...

Hello Reader, Get a head start on your holiday sewing with the Claus & Co Quilted Potholder Kit! KIT CONTENTS 1 Claus & Co Panel (35" x 43") 8 Fat Quarters of Claus & Co Fabric for the Pot Holders and Binding (Red Candy Cane, White Candy Cane, Pink Houses, Green Houses, Red Stars, Green Stars, White Poinsettia, Aqua Santas) 1 yard 20" wide Insul-bright Batting Six 10" squares of cotton batting 4" x 6" Christmas Gift Sticker Sheet Printed Copy of Pot Holder Parade Sewing Pattern Project Bag...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! I was traveling over the weekend, so this week the Sunday Stitch is the "Tuesday Stitch". Sweet, colorful quilt blocks are always in season, and a strawberry quilt block is a fun way to add a bit of summer to your sewing. It’s perfect for a seasonal quilt, a cheerful table runner, or a set of quilted pillows. This free 12″ Strawberry Quilt Block pattern is an...