Val Flannigan: Class of 2018
![](http://irepo.primecp.com/2018/06/377119/ValFlannigan_Large400_ID-2795668.jpg?v=2795668)
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
![Olifant, Celebration XXIII Olifant, Celebration XXIII](http://irepo.primecp.com/2018/08/383971/Olifant-23-2_Large400_ID-2877894.jpg?v=2877894)
"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
![Mallard Ducks, Celebration XXV Mallard Ducks, Celebration XXV](http://irepo.primecp.com/2018/08/383969/MallardDucks-25-2_Large400_ID-2877868.jpg?v=2877868)
"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
![Cinque Terre Perspective, Celebration 26 Cinque Terre Perspective, Celebration 26](http://irepo.primecp.com/2018/08/383973/CinqueTerrePerspective-26-2_Large400_ID-2877920.jpg?v=2877920)
"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
![Mother and Child, Celebration 27 Mother and Child, Celebration 27](http://irepo.primecp.com/2018/08/383972/MotherandChild-27-2_Large400_ID-2877907.jpg?v=2877907)
"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
![Fiddler on the Roof, Celebration 28 Fiddler on the Roof, Celebration 28](http://irepo.primecp.com/2018/08/383970/FiddlerontheRoof-28-2_Large400_ID-2877881.png?v=2877881)
"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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