Our Story

Aloha! I’m Kristen a.k.a. Mama Kitten — a full-time working mama of four, devoted wifey and the heart behind Mama SEW Fun. Born, raised and based on the Big Island of Hawai'i.

Like many others, I picked up sewing during the pandemic. Honestly, I had no clue how or what to do first, so I asked our daughter to teach me (how to use a sewing machince, that is). Her sewing classes paid off for the both of us! I started with making face masks for friends and family. Then the pandemic ended and normal life happened again. Earlier this year, with a new baby in the family, I dusted off my sewing machine to create palaka-trimmed burp cloths. While I had everything out—and with palaka making a comeback—I decided to try sewing palaka shorts for myself by using a pattern.

Let’s just say, it didn’t go quite as planned. So, I reached out to friends and family who sew, watched countless YouTube videos, learned what I could, and eventually created my own shorts pattern. My husband saw the sparkle in me when I sew, soon after, he surprised me with a new sewing machine and serger! It’s been a journey of trial and error, but I finally made something I was confident enough to share—and even sell. #MamaSEWFUn was initiated.

The response was incredibly encouraging and inspired me to keep going. I’ve since experimented with new techniques and sewing all kinds of items, from pants and tops to random accessories—and even a dress for my mom.

Balancing a full-time job and family life means I’ll be adding new items to the shop little by little. Depending on the item, production times will be about 2–4 weeks, and longer for special orders. I am super grateful for your patience and support as I grow this passion project.

Mama SEW Fun is all about celebrating the significance of palaka in Hawai'i and embracing the joy of handmade, playful pieces crafted with aloha. I’m not a professional seamstress—just a mama who loves creating fun things with palaka fabric and fine-tuning my craft.

Thank you for visiting and being part of this venture. I hope you find something here that brings you joy or even inspires you to share the fun with those you love.