Have you heard about Penneys’ sewing workshops? The fast-fashion giant is rolling out classes in stores where shoppers can learn how to mend their own clothes, and make them last longer.

Penneys’ workshops are not coming near Donegal just yet, but one local designer has been inspired to help us all ‘make do & mend’.

Bernie Murphy from Buncrana is renowned for her contemporary tweed collections. As a former garment technologist with Fruit of the Loom, she has a lifetime of textile skills.

Bernie Murphy

The Inishowen creative is now considering launching workshops for people to learn basic dressmaking skills to keep the clothes they love for longer.

Bernie said: “I love when customers ask me to repair or restyle an old coat that may have been passed down from generation to generation.

“I’ve been teaching dressmaking and creative sewing for quiet a few years now! And love every minute of it, sharing skills with others that are slowly being lost.

“So let’s get a few ‘Make Do & Mend’ workshops up and running. I’m putting the feelers out there to see who’s interested in joining 6-8 week workshop.”

If you would be interested in signing up for a workshop, please message Bernie on her Facebook page: Bernie Murphy Irish Designer