Possibly the perfect way to spend our (relatively) new Irish Bank Holiday in February, celebrating our female saint, St Brigid, teaching the making pyjama bottoms (or pants or trousers, take your pick) with a group of focused and enthusiastic woman.

The Sewing Workshop was hosted by Sonia Caldwell, who also participated, at the vibrant Kilcoe Studio in Ballydehob Village, which has become an important hub for heritage craft in West Cork.

The project was simple enough to be suitable for beginners as well as those with sewing experience. We used the stylish Fran sewing pattern made by indie sewing pattern company Closet Core Patterns . The pattern was eminently customisable with side pockets, back pockets or no pockets (pockets were popular, obviously), a drawstring at the waist or straightforward pull-on elasticated band. Students were taught how to select the correct pattern size for body proportions and their preferred fit, how to match checks, to cut out the pattern and transfer markings to the fabric pieces, the sequence of garment construction and steps to complete the pyjama bottoms.

If you fancy joining a future sewing class, find out more here.