i used the “new and improved” simply soft stripes 5oz skeins. the texture and thickness is much different than the older 4oz skeins. it is very similar to “i love this yarn” brand by hobby lobby.

i started with simply soft dark country and made a starting chain with one size larger hook than my main project (so the chain isn’t tighter than the project- which will cause bowing).

i strategically started with the pink. my color sequence and number of double crochets per color sequence is as followed:
pink 15
orange 16
yellow 15
dark navy 15
dark blue 15