Melissa Mortenson

Kentucky

Blogger at Polka Dot Chair

I'm Melissa, Mom of 3, DIY'er, Maker, Textile Designer & Traveler. Let's Chat!

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Articles

Simple Charm Pack Baby Quilt Pattern

3 days ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

Use two 5-inch precut stacks of fabric (sometimes called a Charm pack) to create a baby quilt! This quilt project is perfect for beginners and so FAST to make! Since the pattern uses precut fabrics, there is no need to cut fabric! Years ago, I created a simple, color-blocked baby quilt for a dear friend who was expecting her first baby. That quilt was made from a 5″ precut stack of white fabric and squares cut from a custom Fat Quarter pack.
Bluegrass Charm Fabric Collection & Quilt Patterns

1 week ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

The Bluegrass Charm Fabric collection, designed by Melissa Mortenson for Riley Blake Designs, is a cottage floral-inspired quilting cotton fabric line inspired by the bluegrass region of Kentucky.
Join us for the 2025 Summer Block Party

1 week ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

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!Last year, a group of designers and I hosted a summer quilt-along! Each designer created a summer-themed quilt block, and we shared the patterns for these blocks with our readers who signed up for the quilt-along.
Simple American Flag Quilt Block Tutorial & More American Flag Quilt Patterns!

2 weeks ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

Looking for a fun summer quilt project? Why not try sewing an American Flag quilt? I have a free pattern for an oversized American Flag Quilt Block to share with you today! I’ve also rounded up 12 quilt patterns inspired by the American Flag to try!If you’ve spent any time on social media this summer, you may have noticed that American Flag quilts are having a bit of a “moment”. Table of Contents - Jump To:ToggleI’ve wanted to sew an American Flag quilt for a few years.
Finish it Friday; Vintage Inspired Society Sparkler Quilt

3 weeks ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

I’m excited to share photos and information about my completed Society Sparkler Quilt with you! This quilt is a vintage-inspired pink and green sampler quilt, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. It’s been a while since I’ve shared a “Finish it Friday” post! A couple of years ago, I was growing tired of all the works in progress (WIPs) in my fabric stash and decided to start getting some things finished. I started well, but like many things, I lost a bit of steam as time went by.
5 Tips for Finding Sewing & Quilting Inspiration While Traveling

4 weeks ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

I’m sharing my favorite tips for finding creative inspiration while traveling, based on my recent trip through the English countryside. From charming villages and historic landmarks to centuries-old textiles and cozy cottage gardens, I’ll share with you how I turn travel snapshots into sewing and quilting project ideas. I’m often asked where I get my ideas for the projects shared here and the fabrics I design.
14+ Trendy and Fun Sewing Projects Perfect for Teens

1 month ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

Do you have a teen or tween looking for a new hobby? Or are you a teen searching for a creative outlet? Sewing might be the perfect fit! I’ve got some beginner-friendly project ideas that are great for teens. With the growing popularity of “grandma hobbies” thanks to the grand millennial trend, why not dust off your mom’s (or grandparents’) old sewing machine and try making your own zip pouches, bags, or clothes? The possibilities are endless.
Learn How to make a Pinwheel Star Quilt Block with our Free Pattern

2 months ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

Learn how to make a unique Pinwheel Star Quilt block with our free 12-inch quilt block pattern. The Pinwheel Star quilt block combines two classic quilt designs into one unique block, a Pinwheel and a Sawtooth Star. Table of Contents - Jump To:ToggleIt’s an excellent choice for adding movement and contrast to your quilt, and it looks especially striking in bold prints with high contrast.
Quilted Liberty Zip Bag Sewing Pattern

2 months ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

Create a beautiful zip pouch from Liberty London fabric with our free Quilted Liberty Zip Bag Sewing pattern. This zip pouch features a quilted exterior and a contrasting fabric base. Recently, I took a foray into garment sewing. I started my sewing journey in the 1980s with garment sewing. I frequently stitch up clothing for myself. My favorite thing to sew is dresses.
How to Make a 12-inch Ohio Star Quilt Block

2 months ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

Learn how to make a versatile Ohio Star Quilt block with our free 12-inch Ohio Star Quilt block pattern. I have been working on a scrappy, colorful Sampler quilt for a few years. I have twelve quilt blocks completed, each featuring a gray background. I’m working to finish that quilt this year and have decided to create six more blocks; the Ohio star is one of them. Table of Contents - Jump To:ToggleAs I work, I will share the free block patterns and the final quilt layout and directions with you.