About

I began sewing in 1965.  My mother was my teacher, as my grandmother had taught my mother, and my great grandmother had taught my grandmother. In 1974, my last year in high school, I decided to become a fashion designer, as it was the only career I could think of, that would allow me to earn a living having something to do with what I love the most...  sewing.

I dropped all my academic courses and took nothing but art.  I attended Virginia Commonwealth University for two years and then moved to New York City to attend Parson's School of Design.  I started my first clothing company in 1980 and have been self employed ever since.

In 1995, I invented a body of work that continues to captivate my attention, called Fotopiecings.  It is a marriage of my quilt work and my photographic work.  The cutting up and reassembling of my fotographs allow me to personalize my imagery and create an atmosphere of mediation and quiet.  I use commercially produced bass wood box substrates… stain, sand & lacquer a multitude of colors, adhere archival digital pigment print fotos to the wood, using an archival book binding glue and then spray a finish of lacquer on top. It has its own website @ FotoTorno.com

In 1999, I started my line of “Fun Fleece” blankets, hats and scarves that, along with my “Eclectic Clothing” line, I consider to be my production work…  both are full of comfort & ease… Watching all my gals trying on clothes has helped me to become a much better designer! There is such a wide variety of body shapes and sizes… it is so fun to see how what i do fits them all! (pretty much!)

In 2002, I moved back to CURVE studios in Asheville,  NC .  I have had all of my work displayed in my studio since then.

It is now 2024. This past year and a half has been a challenge to say the least, having had both of my hips replaced! So my hours for this year and probably beyond are by chance or by appointment… you can always call to set up a time or call when you are here! i sometimes can come down and open the studio! Know that i am going to try to be open normal hours on Fridays and Saturdays! But also giving myself grace to do as my body demands!

Pattiy Torno

3 River Arts Place
Asheville, NC 28801

pattiytorno@gmail.com

828.388.3526

Hours:

Sunday: closed

Monday: by chance / by appointment

Tuesday: by chance / by appointment

Wednesday: by chance / by appointment

Thursday: by chance / by appointment

Friday: by chance / by appointment

Saturday: by chance / by appointment