Petra Turner
Born in the mountains of British Columbia, Canada, I grew up with a strong appreciation for frugal living and common sense. With a black sheep, 2 geese, random dogs and cats as pets… no TV, no computer, just imagination and freedom to play with… independence and imagination were my favourite toys. Till my little sister was born two years later…
Our favourite games involved decoration and in-depth character building – dolls, dollhouses, etc. Designing outfits for paper dolls by tracing, drawing, and cutting carefully with tabs intact, was one craft I was particularly obsessed with.
Using the sewing machine my mom made my baby clothes with, that I’m told by experts this brand/model is the “mercedes” of sewing machines – Thanks Mom! – 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 job at a 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 Assistant course and spent a few years doing temp admin/reception work.
I did one year at Humber College for “Design Foundation Certificate” (colour theory, 3D modelling, life drawing… and intro package design, industrial design, advertising, etc.)
Being a bit older than the average college kid, and having made a comfortable living in office work for a few years, I was not convinced signing on for an additional 3 years of adolescent competition and mainstream brainwashing while compiling 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 gave up climbing the corporate ladder and reunited with my inner crafty bitch.
I have recently returned to Toronto, after a year and half in lovely Montreal, doing some contract web design and volunteering at Heart Beat 960 to sell my handy crafts.
That’s the short and sweet version… want to see my resume?
Petra Turner November 2009 Sewing
Petra Turner November 2009 Admin/Tech
