Hook size: 5.5mm
Yarn: Worsted Weight (4 medium)
Brand: Craftsmart in Dusk

Side 1:  Craftsmart in Dusk

SOME BACKGROUND TO THIS DESIGN:
Since this yarn has a variegated quality that uses 5 unique colors I chose 60 single crochets using a 5.5mm hook.  60 single crochets is a multiple of 30 single crochets.

Please work this in a round (versus in rows).  [31 chains; skip the first chain; 30 single crochets on one side of the chain; then 30 single crochets on the other side of the chain; slip stitch into the first single crochet then chain 1; single crochet in the same stitch go around again 60 stitches to build the sack]  The purpose of multiples of 30 worked in a round is that I found that this amount maintains a certain pattern that is inherent in the variegated yarn (see the photos).  You can also read my previous post about working this same yarn with 30 single crochets.

Length: about 7.75 inches (19.5cm)

This pencil case will have an artsy appeal. Maybe use it for colored pencils or gift it to an artist who uses color pencils ><.

Side 2:  Craftsmart in Dusk

I almost forgot about a gift that I made for someone from earlier this year.  This was my first experience with variegated yarn. This yarn was very well liked by the recipients.  Michaels' Loops & Threads Impeccable brand makes this yarn called Folklore if you want to check it out.

I'm not breaking the bank for this lovely yarn:  Michaels' Craftsmart in Hunter
Swatch Design made with 5.5mm hook... 30 single crochets in 8 rounds
4 inch swatch as packaging suggested
Yarn has 5 colors

Craftsmart in Hunter

30 sc in 8 rounds

36 single crochet in 4 rounds

Sangria

24 single crochets in 8 rounds

Resulting color pattern

Since my last post about my mitten craze I went back to another Craftsmart Yarn called Dusk. 30 chains crocheted with a 5.5mm hook and joined into a ring then single crocheted (sc) in rounds of 30sc yields yet another array of colors in an interesting pattern. It's a similar effect as with the mittens.  30sc seems to keep each color stacked on itself.  Another effect is a grouping of colors on one side (I call the back) versus the other side (I call the front).  There are 5 colors in total.  Three were grouped together on one side versus two on the other side.

Craftsmart Dusk colors: pink,orange, purple, green, blue

three colors on one side

two colors on the other side

Perhaps my results are related to the math that goes into making this yarn?  I don't know. I read the packaging for more details.  The yarn package 'suggests' working a 4inch by 4inch swatch (10cm by 10cm) with a 5.5mm hook.  Guess what?  my discovery swatch measures 8 inches, 4 inches in the front and 4 inches in the back. That can't be a coincidence!

Craftsmart's Canyon

Canyon's other side

Now if I could just reproduce this with rows instead, hmmm.  I'll have to see or wonder how many crochet stitches are needed to keep colors grouped together in the back and forth motion of rows versus rounds?

The smallest thing can sometimes delight. The colors in variegated yarns do just that for me!

Back again to my mitt craze this fall. I'm using Craftsmart Yarn exclusively from Michaels.  I'm taking the  inexpensive route just to test and see designs created using variegated yarn.  I like what I see so far.  As a beginner I don't have much experience with variegated yarn.

CRAFTSMART QUICK REVIEW:  I don't know why Craftsmart solid colors seem so much softer than the variegated colors.  Perhaps steam will soften them up.  

Using about 30 single crochets in rounds seems to give a fancy outcome.  I call it digitized crochet. I'm not finished but take a look at how this is turning out.

mitten on side 1

Same mitten on side 2

Craftsmart in Canyon and Purple