Creative cover-ups born from Donegal

'Coatigans' like these created from Donegal Yarn are made for such cold winter days.

Kilkenny designer Alexis Bernstorff has turned Donegal yarn into a collection of cardigan coats which will be launching this December. Donegal Woman spoke with Alexis, the woman behind Alexxi Design, to find out why the nature of Donegal Aran Tweed Yarn has inspired her collection.

These artsy cardigans have playful striped sleeves and striking colours, which she says is mainly down to the material.

“The blends of the yarn give such a vitality to the colour,” Alexis explains. “The fleck in the yarn also provides a contrast in light and dark shades. They have an a-line shape that is flattering to wear, and a band down the front to create a slimming effect. But most of all, people are attracted to the colour.”

Before breaking into clothing design, Alexis has worked for years as a textile conservator and the artistic Director of the Ros Tapestry project in Wexford.

She spent a time conserving works by William Morris in The Glebe in Churchill, where her love of Donegal grew strong.

“Donegal is one of my favourite places to go,” she said.

As the new collection of Alexxi Designs launches in The Design House in Dublin on December 7th, Alexis now is looking ahead to her next creations. It’s clear though that her love of high-quality yarn has made her a ‘confirmed woolaholic’, as she puts it herself.