Nestled in the heart of Verona, The Sow’s Ear has been weaving together creativity and community for over 25 years. As the Midwest’s first café and yarn shop, it’s more than just a place to grab a latte or pick up yarn—it’s beloved by the local community any is inviting to people of all ages. If you looking to grab a nice lunch on the patio or learn how to knit at Beginning Knitting, it has a little something for everyone.
Crafting Connections
Deb Schwaller co-owns The Sow's Ear with her mother, Melissa Helgesen. She started working at the restaurant in 2000 during high school, the same year it opened. Five years later, her family purchased the business from the original owners, who remain regular clients today. The restaurant's unique name has an interesting origin story. When the original owners were scouting locations, many of the available spaces were in rough condition. They kept joking about "making a silk purse from a sow's ear" - taking something less than ideal and transforming it into something better. When they finally found the right space, the name stuck.
What sets The Sow’s Ear apart isn’t just its unique blend of café and yarn shop—it’s the way it has become a cornerstone of the Verona community. Whether it’s sponsoring local events, collaborating with Art House 360, or hosting monthly story times with the Verona Public Library (complete with singing and juice boxes for about 40 kids), The Sow’s Ear is deeply woven into the fabric of local life.
Explore What's Inside
The Sow's Ear offers both delicious food and quality crafting supplies under one roof. Their recently expanded kitchen focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and through a partnership with the Badger Prairie Needs Network, they prepare additional items in a shared kitchen space. The menu features a variety of beverages alongside freshly baked goods and hearty meal options.
The yarn section showcases an extensive collection of crafting materials, from knitting needles and embroidery kits to locally produced yarns—some created by the shop's original owner. Shelves lined with colorful textures provide plenty of inspiration, while local artwork adds to the creative atmosphere. Their calendar stays full with workshops and classes designed for crafters of all ages and skill levels.
Looking Ahead
The Sow's Ear has expanded its physical space three times over the past 25 years, with another renovation planned for January. This upcoming remodel will create a larger kitchen to better serve their growing clientele and expanding food menu. The team is also working on updates to their online store, making it easier for clients both local and distant to access their offerings.
Beyond their physical space, The Sow's Ear continues to build community through special events. This September brings a knitting retreat in New Glarus focused on crafting as self-care—a chance for people to step away from busy schedules and reconnect with creativity. Daily workshops run throughout September, and next year the team plans an international knitting retreat in Ireland, bringing their unique blend of craft and connection to a wider audience.
In a world that often moves too fast, The Sow's Ear offers something valuable: a place to slow down, sip something warm, and make something beautiful.
Park Bank