About Us

Julie Shepley, owner of Julie's Sew & Serge, made her first dress at age ten with her mother's help. That began a life long passion for sewing. As a teen, she made most of her clothing. She studied Home Economics at Ohio University. While still in college, Julie began sewing for other people. While raising a family of three children, she once again began sewing for others. She even brought a master pattern maker to Pittsburgh to teach her how to draft patterns for people.

Once Julie's children were in school, she started working for an area sewing machine dealer. She taught sewing and worked in the retail end selling sewing machines. It was there that she realized that she had a passion for working in the retail sewing machine business.

In October, 1997 Julie opened her own sewing and alterations shop, "Sewing by Julie". When moving into larger space in June, 1999 her husband suggested that she sell sewing machines to "make some extra money".

In August, 1999 upon the recommendation of her former boss, Julie began carrying the Janome line of sewing machines. The business began to grow and she decided to split up the two businesses, In August 2001 she moved the sewing machines to their present location and named the business "Julie's Sew & Serge".

In April, 2004 Julie added Bernina sewing machines to her line up. In 2006, Julie dropped the Bernina line, but continued to carry the Janome line of sewing machines and sergers, including the Memory Craft 11000. At the end of January, 2007, Julie decided to close her shop in McMurray. She continues to service her customers even though she has gone back into accounting (she studied accounting at the University of Pittsburgh after graduating from Ohio University), working full time for an engineering firm. "I miss my customers and my shop, but I love my new job"

Julie loves to share her passion for sewing with others and hopes that some of that passion will rub off onto the younger generations.

Find Us

724.942.5882