Memory Cushion

I recently faced quite a challenging commission when I was asked to create a 'memory cushion'. The cushion needed to include a variety of objects that meant something to the client. The objects included a cat, a fairy,  chickens, a Norwegian troll, a witch and forget-me-nots. I was also given the task of coming up with objects to represent Family, Christmas, England, Norway, music and films. I chose to base the design around a tree to represent a family tree and to also give the design a central focus. I gave the design a border of holly to represent Christmas. To represent England I chose an English rose, for Norway a Norwegian flag, for music musical notes and for film a clapper board. I loved this commission as it was such a challenge and really got me thinking. The design is so unusual and very much a one-off, I hope that it will become an heir-loom and passed down through the generations. 

My original sketch.

Looking for inspiration for the design.

Choosing fabrics.

The design translated in to applique.

The back of the cushion which was piped and had polka-dot buttons.

The final design.