Petra Turner

Using the sewing machine my mom made my baby clothes with, I’ve been making clothes, designing costumes, doing alterations for myself, family, and friends as long as I can remember. At age 16 I got a seasonal job at a Audrey’s Costume House and was taught how to use a serger – love at first seam!! I also had summer jobs doing silk flower arrangements, crafts, details on bridal gowns, bridal accessories, and a little cake decoration.

After high school I took a 6 month Administrative Office Assistant course and spent a few years doing temp work. Then I did a one-year certificate program at Humber College in Toronto for “Design Foundation”. Being a bit older than the average college kid, and having made a comfortable salary in office work for a few years, I was not convinced an additional 3 years of adolescent competition and mainstream brainwashing (while growing a massive debt) was a super great idea. So I went back to work and explored other creative outlets on my own time… like doing projections at underground warehouse parties and screen printing with friends.

After about 10 years doing word processing, desktop publishing, office administration, web design, and technical support… I found myself working for the Ontario eHealth Agency, and doing very questionable things with public money. I decided to drop everything and go to Europe for 6 months to work on organic farms. When I returned to Toronto I couldn’t reintegrate with the corporate scene, so reunited with my inner crafty bitch and moved to Montreal.

After about a year and a half in lovely Montreal doing some work with a few local designers and some contract sewing, I returned to Toronto as a resident designer at an artist-run store on Queen Street West. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to make and sell in an arts focused community and participate in their events. It was a fantastic location and huge learning experience.

I love love loved Toronto for many years, meeting many outstanding underground and professional artists in various formats. But the cost of living there for the quality of life just wasn’t affordable anymore. So I moved back to Montreal and have been enjoying a comfortable second floor apartment with a huge garden and my own studio, with my dog Chorizzo… while working on independent projects and custom pieces. I also do a bit of web development/design, but am determined to make a living doing what I love to do most – sew!

Want to know more? If you have any questions, ideas, suggestions, or comments… feel free to contact me anytime.