Mary Hayes receiving her machine
The Sunset Fund was set up by Audrey Dean in April 1995 to assist South West Quilters members to participate in the group’s activities who would otherwise not be able to because of financial difficulties, by covering, in part or in full, the cost of SWQ workshops, meeting attendance and membership fees.
Audrey Dean’s proposal was that a small committee would administer the fund, absolute discretion would be observed in dealing with each application. An application can be put forward in writing by an individual member in need of assistance or by a fellow member on their behalf.
Funds will be raised from voluntary contributions and donations or by special activities held during the three South West Quilters meetings held annually (AGM/ Spring Meeting/Summer Day/Christmas Meeting). At present the funds raised at the AGM/Spring and Christmas meetings go into the Sunset Fund. The funds raised at the summer meeting is given to the serving Chairman’s charity of choice.
Hello to all, I am Florence Bradley, 17 years old, I’m not a quilter myself but I am extremely passionate about sewing and the art of dress making. Recently, I have received a very generous sum of £300 from the Sunset Trust Fund to spend towards my studies and progression into the sewing world. I currently study Fashion and Textiles at Exeter College, working towards the Qualification of an Extended Diploma and next year a Foundation Diploma. The money from the fund has been extremely helpful with making it accessible to me to buy materials and tools needed to create my art. I am grateful for the support in which I have received from the fund, and the help it continues to give. Dress making is a great passion of mine and a skill I see myself working with, in the future. These photos show a few of the projects I have been able to create because of the money I have received.
If you would like to look at any more of my work I post frequently on Instagram – @flo__bradley
Thank you
Over the past academic year, with the help from the Southwest Quilters Bursary of which I was awarded, I have been able to make great progressions in my fashion design journey. With my Bursary, I have been able to purchase a wide range of great quality fabrics and other stationary to aid garment construction that I may not have had access to beforehand, which subsequently has pushed the overall level of my fashion design outcomes and helped me to create a strong portfolio. Additionally to this, with a portfolio of garments ranging from traditionally constructed, tailored trousers to conceptual framework pieces and installations, I was able to get a place in my first choice University, studying Menswear at Central Saint Martins in London. This is something that I have worked towards for a long time, and I am very grateful for the Southwest Quilters Bursary which has been a massive part of my application process.
Recently The Sunset Trust bought us a sewing machine, the children were thrilled, and they excitedly opened the box and took out the machine. As you can imagine they all wanted to be the first to use it.
I am pleased to report that the children did all sew something that day. We haven’t had chance to make much yet but for Mother’s day they all made a tote bag for their Mothers. They did extremely well, just a few wobbly lines of sewing which I rectified for them. They also made felt hearts for Valentine’s day and book marks.
The children range from 6 to 11 and are all very eager to learn to sew, I just wanted to say a very big thank you from the children and myself to the Sunset Trust in giving us this machine and the opportunity to help the children learn to sew.
