😮‍💨 City officials may regulate THC ‘Wild West’

⚖️ Kaul Won’t Run For Governor, But Will Run Again For AG

• In a decision that surprised some political observers, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said Tuesday that he will not run for governor in 2026. Instead, he will run for a third term in his current position.
• Kaul said he did seriously consider a gubernatorial bid, but ultimately decided the job would take him away from his two sons aged 10 and 11. His decision leaves over a half-dozen candidates running for the Democratic nomination, including Madison-area state Sen. Kelda Roys and state Rep. Francesca Hong. [WMTV, 🎧 City Cast Madison]

💎 Tropic Jewel To Close; Lacy’s Cafe Goes on ‘Hiatus’

• Tropic Jewel, a bead and jewelry shop that has operated on State Street for 35 years, will close at the end of October.
• The store began as a small stand near the UW-Madison Memorial Union that imported jewelry from Thailand. It expanded into its current location, offering beads, jewelry pieces, sterling silver, and other handmade pieces.
• Also, Lacy’s Cafe owner Lacy Rude said on Instagram that the coffee and snack shop that shares space with The Bur Oak on Winnebago Street is going on hiatus. Rude said that she is pausing the cafe to focus on family needs and intends to relaunch in the future. [WMTV, Instagram]

😮‍💨 City Council Weighs Age Requirement For THC Purchases

• Customers would have to be 21 or older to purchase hemp-related THC products in Madison, according to a proposal introduced at the Oct. 7 Madison City Council meeting.
• Council president Regina Vidaver said the city needs to close loopholes, and the state of Wisconsin is too slow to regulate THC products that are currently legal in the state. If the measures passes, Vidaver said the city should move on to license and zoning restrictions on stores that sell the products. [Fox 47, 🎧 City Cast Madison]

As the temperature drops in the fall, out come the knitting needles, the quilts, and the cross stitch patterns. There’s something about cold weather in Wisconsin that’s conducive to fiber arts projects, alone or with friends on a chilly day. It’s a great way to express yourself creatively, practice some self-care, or find a community to become a part of.

Madison has a thriving arts community built around the art form, as shown by the Textile Arts Center of Madison, which just opened its new location in south Madison. On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin talks to Textile Arts Center co-founder Elizabeth Tucker about the community that has grown around the center and the booming fiber arts scene in Madison.

Here are a few other places in Madison where you can either enjoy the work of professional fiber artists, or get some supplies to start making your own.

Check out all the locations on Overlook Maps!

Textile Arts on Display

Lynn Mecklenburg Textile Gallery

UW-Madison’s Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection is one of the largest university textile collections in the world with over 13,000 pieces, and this gallery in Nancy Nicholas Hall houses rotating displays from the collection. In 2022 I saw some beautiful pieces there designed by UW students in collaboration with Indian artisans.

“MADE” at Arts + Literature Laboratory

This multidisciplinary space has a new exhibit of contemporary fiber arts,”MADE,” now through Nov. 8. “MADE” features a variety of disciplines, including weaving, basket-making, and lace-making – by new and emerging artists.

Where To Get Supplies

The Sow’s Ear

As in “make a silk purse out of,” this charming Verona spot may be the Midwest’s first combination yarn shop/coffee shop. In addition to knitting supplies and lattes, the Sow’s Ear offers a full range of classes.

Lynn’s of Madison

This locally-owned store just celebrated its 45th anniversary of selling needle arts supplies, fine arts supplies, and even offers custom framing when you’re done with your project. They also host “Stitch Ins” where you can get together with other fiber artists to work.

Spry Whimsy

This friendly storefront in Stoughton offers yarn, felt, and spinning supplies as well as a knowledgeable staff to “help you achieve your fiber arts dreams.” They hold plenty of classes and special popups, such as this weekend’s “Mad Town Yarn Shop Hop.”

⬆️ Last Week’s Photo

This building is on Atwood Avenue! It’s located next door to A Room Of One’s Own bookstore, which uses it for events.

🎉 Congratulations to Wait N., Tricia M., and Emma M. for being the first three people to guess correctly!

⬇️ This Week’s Photo

What is this, and where is it located? A few clues:

• It’s on Madison’s east side
• It’s inside a historic building that was recently renovated and reopened
• If you guess right, you get a “Hall” pass!