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

14+ Trendy and Fun Sewing Projects Perfect for Teens

1 week 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

3 weeks 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

1 month 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

1 month 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.
The Cat Dash Quilt Pattern & Project Kits

1 month ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

The Cat Dash Quilt Pattern is a beginner-friendly cat quilt pattern made from three yards of fabric and a precut jelly roll! Today, I’m excited to introduce you to our newest quilt pattern and discuss a new kit program we are introducing to the shop!Table of Contents - Jump To:ToggleI’ve wanted to clear out some of my older fabric collections from my stash. In the past, I’ve put together 1/2-yard bundles, but this time, I’d like to run my next fabric destash in a more organized way.
20+ Quilt Patterns Perfect for Spring Sewing

1 month ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

More than 20 quilt patterns perfect for Spring sewing! We gathered some of our favorite Spring quilt projects to share with you! Included are both free quilt patterns and patterns you can purchase. As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it’s a great time to pull out fresh fabrics and start a new quilt. Spring is full of color and energy, and these quilt patterns are perfect for the season.
How to Organize your Quilting WIP's

1 month ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

Here are some of our favorite tips for organizing your quilting works in progress! These are easy-to-follow, actionable tips to help you get and stay organized! Sewing and quilting are my favorite hobbies. I’m always “mentally” planning my next project, which leads to multiple works in progress (WIPs).
How to Make a Drawstring Laundry Bag; A Fat Quarter Project

1 month ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

Years ago, I made myself a drawstring travel laundry bag, and it’s now one of my favorite travel necessities. My original sewing tutorial included five different bag sizes but did not include fat quarter-friendly directions. This article will teach you how to make a laundry bag using only fat quarters of fabric! I have a friend who’s a huge Disney fan. She visits several times a year and loves the RunDisney races.
Pretty Pinwheels Quilted Fold Over Pouch Tutorial

2 months ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

Use the eight-at-a-time half-square triangle technique to quickly piece the quilt blocks needed for this adorable Pretty Pinwheels Quilted Zip Pouch! Follow along with our free sewing pattern to find out how to do it. I’m always looking for small sewing and quilting projects you can make in an afternoon.
15 Adorable Things to Sew for a New Baby

2 months ago | polkadotchair.com | Melissa Mortenson

From cozy blankets to adorable outfits, here are some great things to sew for a new baby. Welcoming a new baby is an exciting time, and what better way to celebrate than by creating handmade items that are both practical and sentimental?