Sharon Mitchell: Dolls With 'Attitude'

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Sharon Mitchell: Dolls With 'Attitude'

Sharon Mitchell, cloth doll artist, pattern designer and tutor, specializing in needle-sculpting.

As a cloth doll artist, pattern designer and tutor, I have a three pronged approach that reflects my interest in creating expressions of attitudes in the figures I make. Drawing inspiration from music, story, productions, facial expressions and color, I apply my knowledge of anatomy, sewing and needlework, pattern drafting, writing, drawing and painting. This is accompanied by an understanding of

the technical aspects involved in producing, and the ability to pass on what I know effectively. I aim to evoke a sense of delight, and appreciation of how fabric can be manipulated to represent something in miniature form that ignites a connection to something experienced by the viewer. Blog: http://sfmclothdollswithattitude.blogspot.co.nz
page:https://www.facebook.com/sfmclothdollsnz/?ref=bookmarks
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/441906322845542/
CRAFTED Artisans Gallery : http://craftedoamaru.nz/
Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/nz/shop/SFMClothDollPatterns?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

09/12/2025

I loved making this odd bird from inspiration I found on Pinterest.

08/12/2025

I made this doll for and Alice In Wonderland Exhibition in 2024, with 14 other characters and thought I'd make a video of the process.

One of the most significant themes in Alice in Wonderland is the importance of embracing your true self.
Alice struggles with the expectations and constraints placed on her by society. As she navigates the strange and unpredictable world of Wonderland, she learns to embrace her unique qualities and strengths.
The adventures Alice goes through can be seen as metaphors for the various stages of growing up.
She navigates through a series of surreal events, which symbolize the journey of finding oneself, understanding the world, and shaping one’s morals and beliefs – much like the process of maturing into adolescence, just like in real life, her experiences are filled with confusion, curiosity, and moments of clarity.

11/11/2025

I am super excited to be part of this collective exhibition!
Come and see some surprise creations I have prepared and my ceramics debut :)

Ōamaru Noir: Exhibition of Artisan Works opens soon as part of the Victorian Heritage Festival.
Discover handcrafted creations inspired by the scoundrels, secrets, and splendour of a bygone era.

📅 Opening Night: Friday 14 November @ 5PM
📍 Crafted: Waitaki Artisan Gallery, 3 Harbour Street, Historic Precinct
🍷 Food & drinks provided | 🎩 Dress-up optional | 🆓 Free entry

10/10/2025

The Guys!

05/10/2025

Just watched Wednesday series and was inspired by the most expressive Thing.

09/09/2025

This is about head shape and this faux suede fabric. Bear in mind I am not that good at colouring a dark skinned face. My aim here is go make a head that best fits the doll.
The first head is the second one I made. It is drawn and stitched on the straight grain. The first head was drawn and stitched on the bias, and fully needlesculpted. It was unsuccessful.
The second came out larger because of the straigh5 grain, but also I altered the side seam. I wanted to make sure the face had enough width, and I also altered the base of the head back. But I noticed the forehead ended up with a bump that looks odd, so I need to slant that rather than curve it. All learning! I
I minimally sculpted the second head, to avoid wrinkles, and used pencil to shape the nose sides. The nostrils are needlesculpted, and each side of the eyes.
Both heads use the same size head pattern. You will notice the smaller heaps also shows an open mouth shape. I used it for Zazu, from the Lion King.
If you have questions, please ask. I appreciate your feedback and we can all learn.

07/09/2025

I am trying out a doll in faux suede, used for garments. It's a murky brown colour, not grey. A polyester fabric with a nap and has no stretch. It frays a little, so has to use fray stop on some seams and it seems to turn ok, with only one tiny blowout at the heel of one. The fabric makes the pattern smaller/narrower because of no stretch. I made the head on the bias but not liking it. Will try again on the straight. But for an art doll, I think it might work.

05/08/2025

Immortalised in cloth! Donna Demente is a famous Artist who I have known and admired for some time in our community.

I have tried to present her as a woman of integrity, who uses her standing in the community to raise awareness and fundraise for causes she believes in, as well as organising events that bring the community together.

I am very happy with this piece!

04/08/2025

Almost there. Just need to make a placard, to give her something to do!

03/08/2025

Starting to come together. Finding the right colours, textures for the scale of this Bohemian figure sent me rummaging through my stash. I even had to buy 3 meters of the black for her coat at the Fabric Bazaar yesterday because it was sold as a bundle! Got exactly the right color and texture for the bag too! All stretch fabric world well on cloth figures like this. For the hair, I found the last remaining scraps of my favorite fur fabric to give exactly the right look for this special subject . Just have to attach the head and make one last thing you finish tomorrow.

01/08/2025

On my table tonight is an up and coming local personality taking shape that I’m hoping will be able to do justice to. I’ve had fun making some little embellishments that would give the game away if I showed them just yet. This time, I’ve started with the body, instead of the head. We’ll see how it goes in the next few days!

22/07/2025

This little Dobby came together today. Minus his clothes just now! Needlesculpted in deer suede.

Address

Oamaru

Telephone

0277371747

Website

https://sfmclothdollswithattitude.blogspot.com/, https://sfmclothdollpatterns.etsy.com/

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