The Maker, Shannon Hiramoto

My grandmother, Mildred Hiramoto, taught me to sew when I was 14. Our first project was a pair of shorts using her stash of vintage polyester fabric. Next we made carseat covers for my '69 VW Squareback. After that it was a flurry of sewing everything I could imagine. My grandmother passed in 2011 and I miss her everyday---sewing is one way to keep her spirit close and now Im passing the skill down to my 7 year old daughter Charli. I started my company/experiment called Machinemachine in 2007 and am continually excited about meeting customers and making things everyday!

Over the years I've become known for my obsession with mu'umu'u. I began #muumuumonth in January 2015 as a fun way to celebrate the historic and beautiful garment that is so special to Hawai'i. Ive also been documenting mu'umu'u that I and others come into contact with at TheMuumuuArchive.com

---Thank you! Shannon

100% Happily Handmade on Kaua'i

 Happy clothing: Seeking to dress the world in delightful and ethically made, non-sweatshop, human-centered garments. Machinemachine was established in 2007

Happy customers: With the purchase of our dresses comes complimentary alteration services. It's my goal that machinemachine garments are worn for years and years!

Happy planet: In 2019 I reaffirmed a mission to use majority secondhand materials to create machinemachine products. This means most of our garments, accessories, and home goods are made with vintage, upcycled, and donated fabrics and raw materials. I'm happy to say I'm no longer buying ANY new fabric.  

Comfort, Fit, Quality

 Machinemachine garments are designed for maximum comfort without sacrificing style.

Many customers are pleased with the no-nonsense packability and versatility of our garments---making them ideal for travel and all-day wear. One of the most common refrains I hear is: "I live in this dress!"  

Craftsmanship is extremely important to me. In the modern era of fast flimsy fashion, I am proud to offer customers another option. 

Our Studio + Storefront 

In 2012 I opened my first Studio/Storefront called Workshop in Old Hanapepe town. I relocated in 2016 to Warehouse 3540 in Lawai---keeping the name Workshop and expanding the concept by welcoming my creative father, Charlie, into the mix. In our new space he's built out a sweet printmaking studio home to two letterpresses and one etching press, on which he prints cards and tees with hand set type and handcarved blocks under the moniker Goofy Foot Prints (sorry no website, he's analog!)

We closed the shop in March 2020 (oh hello, Covid-19)---and we've decided to make that closure permanent. Sad apologies to those we were not able to say a final goodbye to! I have no plans for a future storefront, as I reset machinemachine's compass to point toward art rather than production. I'm open to suggestions, ideas, and feedback as I head in a new direction!