"Remember Me" Service: Cushion Commissions
All clothes hold memories and stories, which is one reason why we are so reluctant to let them go. Whether they are lost loved ones garments, or, sentimental garments that our own children have outgrown. In many cases, we are left with a wardrobe of clothes that we are unable to part with. I can lovingly transforms your meaningful items, with creativity and care into new treasured pieces. Bringing comfort, joy and memories to share, for you and your family in the years to come.
Barley Massey / Fabrications
Greater London, England
Goss family with Remember Me cushions, Photo: Goss FamilyI’d looked in the window of Fabrications many times and marvelled at the range of recycled items, and especially the use of ties. So I told my husband I’d take his large collection of ties to the shop to see if they could be of any use. A few weeks later, following that comment, my husband (of nearly 60 years) died, but I still gave the ties to Barley Massey, little realising I could have them recycled too! Barley showed me some of her amazing commissions, and it was agreed that she would make me 9 cushions. I am so thrilled and delighted with the work she has done and I hadn’t realised how thearaputic I’d find the exercise to be. I enjoy looking at the cushions (spread over our double bed) until such time as they can be collected. Its lovely to think that each part of the family will be able to have a visible reminder of a precious husband, father, grandfather and even great grandfather, as Barley was able to make a fabulous Teddy bear with the small, left over pieces! Barley is a highly skilled needlewoman, with a keen designers eye for colour and pattern – I can’t praise and thank her enough. Zena
Barley with Remember Me cushion, Photo: Roy James ShakespeareBarley explaining the Remember Me service at Fabrications
Mireille with commissioned pieces, Photo: Barley Massey"Both my brothers were not sure at first or understood what I had given them. When the penny dropped they were very emotional. As you could see with me, your work filled me with emotion from the beginning – talking with you about my father and the relationships we all had together, till the end of your work, when you gave me back memories to keep forever. Having our blankets/cushion keeps my dad close. Thank You for your hard work and your compassion" (Mireille)
Remember Me cushions for Lucy Heath & family, Photo: Ag MitchellThis was the first "Remember Me" commission, remaking the late Michael Heath's clothes into cushions for each of his children. They are still in use and treasured today.
Graham's Cushion, Photo: Barley Massey"Dear Barley, It is difficult to know just how to say Thank You to someone I’ve not met, but who has brought me so much pleasure in the form of my ‘Grahame’s’ cushion. To feel I have been given something back that is so tangible and the essence of someone I so miss and love is beyond measure; with the added delight of actually being able to put my hands into his sleeves to hug him is so calming and lovely. I know you have done similar items for other people and can only say how lucky we are to have found someone who can relate to how we feel and who has the kindness and talent to do something about it. This will bring me, not in any sense a morbid way, so much comfort, joy and pleasure in the coming years and for that I am most sincerely grateful. Thank You. Sincerely, June"