Monarchs and Liatris
Andrea and I went on a morning hike to Carpenter Nature Center, Wisconsin Campus, where we encountered a grouping of Liatris (also known as Rocky Mountain Blazing Star, a species of Gay Feathers) and swooping, floating Monarch butterflies, all feasting on the flowers’ nectar.
We counted twelve, and I couldn’t recall if I’d ever seen that many Monarchs all together. It was such a lovely sight, we had to sit on bench and take it all in. I posted an Instagram Reel of our butterfly corner. I hope you enjoy it.
After our hike, we relaxed in the garden at the Visitors’ Center and enjoyed the cool gentle breeze of the overcast day while we listened to the birds and finished our knitting projects. Hers, a gorgeous shawl, and mine, a warm-weather shortie poncho. I used a 100% mercerized cotton dk self-striping yarn, which is very comfy for three season wear or if the ac in the summer gets to be too chilly. I hope you enjoy this pattern.

Materials
Two skeins of Ella Rae, Watercolors yarn (100 grams, 263 yards, 240m/skein), 526 yards total for this project.
100% Mercerized Cotton, dk weight yarn. Pictured color #107, Lady Lilith. (This pattern is also suitable for any dk weight yarn in the same yardage.)
Size 6 (4.0mm) circular needles in 24” and 32” or 40” lengths.
Stitch marker to mark the end of the round. (I also marked stitches in groups of 50 for ease of counting).
Yarn needle.
The shortie poncho is approximately 26” in circumference at the neck, 16” deep from the neck edge to the bottom edge x 68” in circumference at the widest part of the bottom.
Gauge is 4 sts./in. and 5 rows/in., stockinette stitch. Knit onto a longer length circular needle for comfort when stitches become too bunched up. (I used a 40” at Section 5).
Thank you to Andrea for modeling!