The Polka Dot Chair - a modern DIY and sewing blog

How to Sew a Zipper

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Melissa Mortenson

Hi!

Welcome to Sewing School! Today we are going to learn How to Sew a Zipper. Are you excited? The lesson today is part of my “Sewing Lessons” blog series sponsored by Bernina. Read more... (1120 words, 24 images)

Posted in featured, sewing | Tagged bernina, sewing, sewing lessons, tutorial | 1 Comment

Five things on a Saturday

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Melissa Mortenson

ONE:

Does anyone remember “the incident” from a few years ago? Fast forward to today and this fun new rotary cutter shows up in the mail, and my husband says “do they know you’re not to be trusted with those things?”

Well apparently OLFA does trust me to use a rotary cutter because they sent me one of their new models. Besides the fact that it’s so pretty, it has a much better system to change the blade. Read more... (377 words, 7 images)

Posted in life, sewing | Tagged my life, sewing | 2 Comments

40 Gifts for 40 Years

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Melissa Mortenson

This week I turned 40 years old. To be honest I’m really not sure how I feel about that, it could take up a post all in itself.

For my 40th birthday gift, my Mom sent me the cutest thing! It was such a fun and unique idea that after I had opened a couple of the packages I thought “I HAVE to stop and take pictures of this!” It was such a nice idea that I wanted to share it with you here today. Read more... (282 words, 7 images)

Posted in gifts, holidays, parties | Tagged birthday, easy gift ideas, holidays, my life, parties | 11 Comments

“Sunnies” Sunglasses Case

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Melissa Mortenson

Are you ready for summer! Oh man am I!!! Here’s a fun sunglasses case for you to sew!

There are two things you should know about me 1) I ALWAYS have a pair of sunglasses with me, I can’t drive without them, the sun hurts my eyes. 2) My purse is a MESS. All of the sunglass cases I had before were to heavy so I didn’t carry them around with me. I made this simple case to be lightweight enough to not weigh me down, and the pom pom attachment will make them quick to spot in my purse. Read more... (467 words, 11 images)

Posted in accessories, gifts, sewing | Tagged riley blake, sewing, teacher gifts, tutorial | 5 Comments

T-Shirt Maxi Dress Tutorial

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Melissa Mortenson

Hello!

Last year I shared this tutorial for a maxi dress made from a t-shirt. My daughter wore it all summer and as I watched her wear it I realized that the sewing pattern could be improved upon a little bit.

Two summers ago I made her this t-shirt dress. I really liked the way the waistband came together on that one so I decided to combine the 2 patterns into one! Read more... (510 words, 9 images)

Posted in sewing | Tagged kids, sewing, tutorial | 6 Comments

Hand Made Mother’s Day Gifts

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Melissa Mortenson

Mother’s Day in the U.S. is this Sunday. Wouldn’t Mom love a hand made gift? I know that my Mom would! (unfortunately due to poor time management by her daughter she won’t be getting something handmade from me… didn’t get it mailed in time *wink*). Why not try one of these handmade Mother’s Day Gifts?

So if your hankering to make something for your Mom, here are 9 ideas for you! Many of them are QUICK so you still have time to make them. Read more... (157 words, 2 images)