Follo, Emeline & Annabelle’s Atelier Couture Cafe offers a welcoming space focused on bringing together the local DIY community. More than a shop, Emeline & Annabelle invites citizens from across the city to visit and learn a valuable life skill, drop-in and sew or relax in their comfortable lounge to find inspiration to create.

Created by local entrepreneurs Emeline Villedary and Annabelle Agnew, Emeline & Annabelle opened its doors at 6050 Monkland Avenue on April 15th 2010 after 18 months of business planning.

The two mothers decided to open a business appealing to the DIY sewing community after finding it difficult to set up a practical sewing workspace in their own homes.

“Annabelle and I were talking last autumn about how difficult it can be to find the space at home to set up a good sewing area,” explained Ms. Villedary, 31 year old Montreal native. “The idea to open a sewing shop together hit us at the same time!” concluded Ms. Agnew. Since that fateful day, the pair have been hard at work, initially scouting “mom friendly” locations, developing a solid business plan that earned them numerous awards and sourcing the exquisite fabrics offered for sale in the shop.

The workshop calendar at Emeline & Annabelle is designed to appeal to crafters at all levels and to suit all schedules. Even amateur DIYers will find hours of fun with friends old and new alike. The experienced sewers in the shop can help even the most novice enthusiast make a tote bag in just a few hours or challenge them to make a family quilt sure to become an heirloom.

Visit www.emelineandannabelle.com to review workshop calendars, new fabric arrivals and keep up to date with their projects on their blog.