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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...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! Learn the definitions of some of the most commonly used Quilting terms and sewing terminology with our free comprehensive guide to common quilting terms. We’ve even included a free printable quilter’s cheat sheet! Quilt Terminolgy Cheat Sheet FEBRUARY KIT DROP We are very excited to offer kits for our Bluegrass Crossing quilt pattern for our February shop drop!...

Hello Reader, Yippe, drops are back! Our February Kit Drop is LIVE, and it's a good one! We are excited to offer one of our newest quilt patterns, Bluegrass Crossing, in a quilt kit perfect for Spring! Create a fresh, classic quilt with the Bluegrass Crossing Quilt Kit, featuring the Bluegrass Charm fabric collection and an original pattern by Melissa Mortenson. The Quilt Kit Includes: Printed Bluegrass Crossing Quilt Pattern Fabric for Quilt Top & Binding Project Bag (zipper colors vary)...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! Quilt piecing techniques are helpful for so many other projects besides just quilts! You can create bags, pillows, and even home decor items! Here are over a dozen clever, quilted projects to sew that aren’t quilts! Small Quilt Projects PATTERN OF THE MONTH The Choose Happiness Quilt Pattern is our February 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! String quilt blocks are one of the most satisfying ways to turn fabric scraps into something beautiful and usable. They’re fast, forgiving, and perfect for quilters who love a scrappy, colorful look. If you’ve been saving leftover strips from past projects (and I know many quilters do), string piecing is a fantastic way to put them to work. How to Make String...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! Valentine’s Day is almost here, and I’ve given one of my original favorites a little love and a makeover! The classic Valentine Chair Backer sewing pattern that many of you have made over the years has been updated, and now includes a mini fabric envelope pattern that pairs perfectly with it! Valentine Chair Backer Pattern Winter is the perfect season for...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! If you’ve been craving a creative project that feels fun instead of stressful, I have something special for you. I’m so excited to officially invite you to my 2026 Block of the Month series, hosted on Patreon! This is a year-long quilting project designed to help you slow down, stitch with intention, and enjoy a little “me time” each month; one beautiful quilt...

Hello Reader, We've added a couple of Valentine's Day fabric bundles to the shop! These custom-cut bundles feature 1/2 yard cuts of 3 of the most popular prints from my Mint for You fabric collection! SHOP WHAT'S NEW It's time to kick off our 2026 Block of the Month quilt! This is the eighth year I've hosted a Block of the Month pattern and the third year hosting it on Patreon. Preorders for the kit are now available, and close in 1 week! There are two colorways of the quilt to choose from,...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! Who’s ready to get organized? (Raises hand!) I’m going to do my part to help you organize your sewing, quilting, and craft projects this year with these printable monthly project planners. Keep yourself on track throughout the year! Our popular printable planners are back for another year. You can grab them in one of three ways. 2026 Quilters Planner Are you in...

Hello Reader, We’re welcoming January, and the start of the Year of the Horse, with our new Pattern of the Month, and it feels like a meaningful way to begin the year. The Bluegrass Pastures Quilt Pattern is inspired by the wide-open fields of the horse farms I see daily, living in Kentucky. To celebrate, the pattern is 30% off all month, in both print and digital formats. Key Features: Fat Quarter Friendly! Horses are Appliqued Horse Fences can be Traditionally OR Foundation Paper Pieced 49"...

blog / Instagram / shop / youtube Hello Reader, Thank you for subscribing and reading the Sunday Stitch; we appreciate your support! Freshen up and organize your sewing, quilting, or creative space with one of these DIY tutorials. From fabric basket sewing patterns to how to build a pegboard, there’s bound to be something to help you get and stay organized this year! Tips for Setting Quilting & Sewing Goals TOP NEW TUTORIAL OF 2025 You guys love all of the great projects in our archives, but...