Our Story
Welcome to Family Comforts
Welcome to Family Comforts, where every stitch tells a story. Founded by Sandi Millichip-Massocchi, a distinguished Bear artist and crafter with over four decades of experience. Our mission is to transform cherished fabrics into tactile keepsakes that hold a lifetime of memories.
Introducing Sandi
Our story begins with Sandi (the one on the left in the picture), an accomplished designer who specialises in creating bespoke Memory Bears. These unique creations were inspired by one of the most significant people in her life—her father. Sandi had the privilege of caring for him during the last years of his life, an experience she describes as the most rewarding role she has ever undertaken. To honour his memory, Sandi crafted the first of many Memory Bears using his beloved collection of ties, reflecting his impeccable style honed from years of service at Bletchley Park during WWII. This extra special Bear marked the advent of Family Comforts and a wonderful, caring service now offered to all of our customers.
Sandi remains the face behind (and often in front of) Family Comforts and is also supported by her husband Andy, making it a true 'family' business - just like our name!
We Really Care
At Family Comforts, we understand that memories are often encapsulated in the smallest of details—the texture of a favourite shirt, the pattern of a cherished dress, or the familiar scent of a loved one's clothing. Our clients come to us with boxes of textiles, each piece brimming with stories and emotions. From these, we craft not just Bears, but bunnies, unicorns, dinosaurs, horses, cats, foxes, dogs, and elephants—each a repository of personal history and love. So what started with a Bear has now grown to encompass family favourites in the guise of a veritable zoo of animals! We are always exploring new additions to our menagerie.
The Personal Touch
Creating a Family Comfort involves a collaborative and highly personalised process. Typically, our Bears are composed of at least 20 different pieces, allowing us to incorporate a diverse range of materials that represent various aspects of a loved one’s life. Sandi recommends using between four to eight pieces of adult clothing or six to ten pieces of children’s clothing. This allows each animal to become a patchwork of treasured memories.
It's a Family Affair
Inspired by Sandi's dad featured above and supported by husband Andy, captured taking a quiet moment with travelling companion Gordon Bear. Many of our bears get to travel with their family! Where will you take yours?
So Much More than Bears!
As Family Comforts continues to grow, we remain deeply committed to our roots in hand-crafted excellence and heartfelt design. Expanding beyond our signature Memory Bears, we now offer a range of hand-made soft furnishings and bespoke craft projects, each designed to enhance the comfort and beauty of your home. Every new creation adheres to our core principles: meticulous handcrafting, personalised care, and the transformation of treasured materials into lasting keepsakes.
Inspiration for many of Sandi’s newer creations stems from her love of travel. The vibrant hues and intricate patterns of Moroccan souks, the rustic charm of provincial France, stained glass windows and the sleek lines of Art Deco architecture have all influenced her designs. These elements are woven into our products, bringing a touch of global elegance to our traditional craftsmanship.
In addition to our custom pieces, we also provide ready-made versions and patterns for those who wish to embrace their own crafting journey. Whether you choose a ready-to-adore item or prefer to stitch your own story with our patterns, you'll find that both options maintain the high standard of quality and creativity that Family Comforts is known for.
Whether it's custom cushions, embroidered throws, or uniquely patterned quilts, our new lines are crafted with the same attention to detail and love that define our Memory Bears. By embracing these new ventures, we ensure that every piece not only complements your home but also enriches the stories told within its walls.
At Family Comforts, our heritage of crafting with care and creativity is the foundation of everything we do. As we continue to grow and evolve, we invite you to join us in celebrating life's memories through each beautifully crafted item, all while staying true to the ethos of handmade quality and enduring value.
More than a keepsake
Our clients' stories fuel our passion. One client shared how a Bear crafted from her late husband’s jacket became a source of comfort for her and a way to connect her grandchildren with their grandfather. Each Bear, tailored with elements from his life, now resides in a 'forever home', continuing his story. So many shared experiences; we love to tell our clients stories throughout the site.
At Family Comforts, every creation is more than a keepsake; it's a celebration of life, love, and memory, sewn together with unmatched craftsmanship and attention. Each piece not only embodies the spirit of the loved one it represents but also becomes a part of new stories and memories, cherished by those who hold them.
Meet the Team
Sandi Millichip-Massocchi:
Designer, Creator and Bear Artist
We're thrilled to have Sandi as the creative heart of Family-Comforts. With decades of expertise in fabric arts, she specialises in crafting bespoke Memory Bears, each uniquely designed by incorporating special elements from clothing, ensuring every bear is individual. Sandi has also reignited her passion for bag making and quilting, creating her own patterns for bags, quilts, and cushions, which she showcases on 'Sewing Street.' When not stitching, Sandi loves exploring in 'Morrison', her campervan, enjoying the great outdoors, dining out, and indulging in her love for theatre and music.
Andrew Massocchi:
Website and Admin Manager
Andrew has been a cornerstone of Family-Comforts since its inception, starting as a supportive spouse assisting with the essential tasks like cutting out bear interfacings during our busiest times. His role within the company has grown significantly, and he now expertly manages our website, ensuring everything runs smoothly online. You see him featured here supervising from his outside office. Beyond his duties, Andrew loves travelling in the family VW campervan, watching rugby, and cooking—a talent he happily shares as the family chef, given his flair for culinary adventures.
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When our lovely grandmother passed on Family Comforts worked closely with us to create a beautiful memory bear. We used 'Nana's' favourite Sunday dress and also added a couple of jewelry items. We found the whole process so helpful and supportive. Sandi also kept us informed at all times. We now have a cherished piece of Nana for the whole family to enjoy and Betty Bear (named after her) takes pride of place in our living room.
Susan Hogan
(Owner of Betty the Memory Bear)
Percy:
Office Cat/Quality Controller
Percy keeps a careful eye over the production of our Family Comforts and is quick to point out any errors, all it takes is one look! His favourite things are Dreamies treats, sleeping under Sandi's work desk and cuddles.
Gordon Bear:
A founding member of Family Comforts
Gordon Bear, the very first memory bear created here at Family-Comforts, was lovingly crafted in honour of Sandi’s father. While Gordon Bear is officially too busy jet-setting around the world to take on a daily role in our operations, he does make it a point to pop in occasionally to say hello. His adventurous spirit embodies our passion for heartfelt, handcrafted memories, and even though he's often off exploring new destinations, Gordon always remains a cherished member of the Family Comforts Team.