My First Handmade Doll

This was the very first handmade doll I ever created — long before Upper Dhali existed, before I knew how to sew, and before I understood just how powerful a sentimental keepsake could be.

Sharing personal stories has never come easily to me, but I’ve learned over time that to truly understand what I create — and why — you need to know where it all began.

This doll is not polished. She is not perfect. But she holds more meaning than any piece I have ever made since.

The Beginning

I created this felt doll in April 2012 as a Mother’s Day gift for my Nana. At the time, I had never sewn before — not properly, anyway — and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.

What I did know was that I needed to make something from the heart.

It took me weeks to complete. And that is no exaggeration. Every stitch was slow, uncertain, and deliberate. I poured hours into her, imagining the moment I would gift her in person — refusing to post her interstate because I wanted to see my Nana’s face when she received her.

A Gift Never Given

My daughter, only five at the time, helped draw the face. I knew Nana would love that detail — a collaboration of generations, stitched together with love.

But life changed suddenly.

My Nana passed away just two days before I was due to fly home. The doll was never gifted. My world stopped turning.

Coming Full Circle

Years later, this doll returned to me from my Mum’s home.

Holding her again was unexpectedly emotional. My children reacted in their own ways — curiosity, tears, laughter — and I cried in a way only a deeply personal object can evoke.

In that moment, it became clear why this doll mattered so much.

She represents reflection, resilience, determination, and love.

Why This Doll Matters

This doll reminds me that something small can carry enormous meaning.

She is the reason Upper Dhali exists. She is why I create sentimental keepsakes that are designed to be cherished — not replaced, resold, or forgotten.

At the time, I had no idea that this first imperfect doll would quietly become the foundation for everything that followed.

Today, when clients receive their own personalised keepsake dolls and describe the emotion of unboxing, I understand completely. I’ve lived it.

This doll was my beginning — and she still holds my heart.

Lou x