Island Treasures: Hamakua Canvas—Honomū

Laurie Lloyd’s story begins on Kodiak Island, Alaska—the other Big Island.

Her 25 year background in commercial fishing and owning a sailing charter business for a decade taught her many skills, including net building and sail repair.

In 2008, her husband, Denby was transfered to Juneau, Alaska to work for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game as Commissioner.

Having sewn all her life, Laurie began a custom canvas sewing business, responding to the need for boat canvases. She honed the skills of bending stainless frame, fabricating dodgers, biminis, and full enclosures for fishing boats and yachts. There was also plenty of custom upholstery.

After Denby’s retirement, Laurie packed up and moved everything on the ferry across the Gulf of Alaska back to Kodiak. There, she began a new shop, which she sold in 2012.

Laurie has sewn projects for homeowners and businesses alike—the USCG, the Navy Seals, the Alaska State Ferry System, ADF&G, hundreds of boats, airplanes, and autos. Each job is a custom job.

In August 2014, they sold their home on their beloved Kodiak Island and moved to the Hāmākua Coast. And again, her custom canvas sewing business is thriving.

Laurie takes great pride and satisfaction in her work and enjoys the customers. She will set up an appointment to meet with a client and discuss their needs, look at fabric books, take measurements, and work up an estimate.

She is now taking on all sorts of upholstery and sewing projects—including furniture, drapes, utility bags, covers for heavy equipment and coffee processing. Her most recent creation was for an outrigger three-paddle padded tote bag.

Laurie is willing to create many things, so contact her for your next project!

Hamakua Canvas Co., LLC

PO Box 52, Honomū
808.936.2235
email