Hello everyone and welcome to EcoKate Designs Handmade in Ireland

My name is Catherine Sothern and I come from Ireland, the land of  Artists, Theatre, Folklore and all that is green.

Having worked as an Interior Designer for many years I realised that  discarded and often beautiful off-cut fabric samples deserved another life. When I was young my grandmother was a great believer of not wasting anything and always found another use for leftovers, no matter what they were. She was a very talented and creative woman, and so came the inspiration for my Neck Torcs and Bibs. 

My Designs are modern and contemporary but with a vintage feel. Each piece is individually designed and handcrafted by me, all original and one-off pieces.

I let the fabric take me on a journey and see where it leads. These stunning pieces are created by adding vintage beads, buttons, vintage lace, fresh water pearls, some fox fur and hand made rosettes to natural fabric.   The pleasure of seeing the finished piece inspires me to create the next.

My range of baby booties from 0-12 months are also made from recycled fabric.  Coming shortly will be bootie, mitts and hat sets for your little angels.

Creativity is the spice of life, and creating beautiful pieces,  from what others would call waste is fullfilling and the pleasure I get from seeing my pieces worn is immense. Each piece has a story and history attached nicely combining old and new .

I have recently been interviewed for Xpose the fashion programme for TV3 in Rural Ireland Fights Back my coture neck pieces and childrens accessories are stocked in Ducketts Grove Design Centre, beautiful new design centre in the most amazing old castle in Carlow. I do commissioned work for weddings, anniversaries , first communions or just as a very special gift for a loved one. Email me if you are looking for that original one of a kind gift, I will be happy to go through the process with you and come up with your own unique design.

Enjoy your journey through my site.

Catherine Sothern.  Member of The Craft Council of Ireland.