Val Jarvis 

e. valjarvis01@yahoo.co.uk | insta. @valerielivesbythesea 

 

The society welcomes new member Val Jarvis. 

 

Val designs and creates rugs using the lesser-known, heritage handcraft of Locker Hooking, a technique that has been passed down through generations. The locker hook, a long crochet hook with an "eye," is used to carry yarn through fabric loops, locking them in place to form textured, intricate designs. 

 

In her commitment to sustainability, Val strives to make each rug as Earth-friendly as possible by repurposing materials like velvet curtains, upholstery fabrics, denim, and old clothing. By breathing new life into these discarded items, she minimizes waste while creating functional and beautiful pieces. Val also incorporates as much of the leftover fabric as possible into the fringing and backs of the rugs, ensuring that no material goes unused. 

 

Val’s inspiration primarily comes from the colors and textures of the fabrics she works with, along with the natural beauty she observes daily. The soft hues of the sunrise over the sea and the vibrant flowers in her surroundings often intertwine in her mind, influencing the flow and feel of each design. While Val begins with a general plan in mind, she allows the design to evolve organically, adapting to the varying amounts of materials she has at hand. 

 

Val has been drawn to the idea of using older, repurposed fabrics from a young age, influenced by her mother’s love for creativity and thrift. She spent hours rummaging through jumble sales, hand-sewing patchworks, and discovering the beauty in materials that others might overlook. This passion for reimagining and reusing fabric has remained central to her artistic journey. Throughout her life, Val has explored various forms of craft, from beadwork and Tiffany glass to knitting. About 30 years ago, she discovered the method of Locker Hooking and has spent the last six years honing her skills in rug-making, dedicating herself to creating rugs that tell a unique story of creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship.