Val Flannigan: Class of 2018
Name: Val Flannigan
Location: Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Tell us a bit about yourself. What are some of your interests and hobbies?
I have always been involved with a variety of fibre arts. I discovered rug hooking in 2000 and have never looked back. I am an avid reader and love to travel! I am very passionate about rug hooking and devote some time to it everyday. Although, as of very lately, I have had a resurgence in baby quilts and knitting.
How did you get introduced to rug hooking?
I had seen some rug hooking on a trip to Alexandria, DC. Then a good friend moved here from Ontario, and she showed me how to pull up a loop and got me started.
What was your first project?
I was given a piece of burlap on which I drew a snowman. I used reclaimed "worsted" wool which I cut with my rotary cutter.
Is there one rug that stands out as being particularly memorable?
The most meaningful rugs are the ones that I designed. I put so much more into these pieces.
Is there a particular style of rugs that you're most interested in hooking?
I am mostly interested in the rugs that I design from my travels and other experiences. I do enjoy hooking realism and in a painterly fashion.
What's your favorite part about hooking a rug?
I really do enjoy every step from designing, colour planning, dyeing, hooking, and the finishing.
What's a piece of advice you'd give to a new rug hooker?
Hook what you love! Enjoy the process.
What do you love most about Celebration?
I admire the creativity and the caliber of the rugs chosen. I have a great deal of respect for the rug hooking artists!
Table of Contents
Olifant, Celebration XXIII
"I designed this piece from a photo taken by Colin Flannigan with his permission. We were on a family vacation visiting game parks in..." Read more.
Mallard Ducks, Celebration XXV
"I choose this pattern for the couples aspect and the popularity of Mallards in my area.
I started out with using a #2 cut for the eyes and for..." Read more.
Cinque Terre Perspective, Celebration 26
"I designed this piece from a personal photo taken when I was in Cinque Terre while hiking on the upper trail. The photo was taken looking..." Read more.
Mother and Child, Celebration 27
"I really like the art work of Gustav Klimt. I cropped his Three Ages of Woman to just the heads of the mother and child for my pattern. This..." Read more.
Fiddler on the Roof, Celebration 28
"I designed this piece for my husband’s 65th birthday. The musical is a long standing favourite of ours. I was also heavily influenced by..." Read more.
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