FROG AND TOAD (CROCHET)
The knitted version of this pattern is near and dear to my heart, connected as it is to my love of books and growing up, and the undeniable 70s vibe that crochet provides simply feels so right and true for this new version. Although the details of the knitted set may perhaps be a bit crisper (more definition somehow in spots like the kneecaps), the crocheted version seems to work up more quickly and bypasses some of the trickier aspects of the knitted version. There are, for example, no after-thought eyes (so no cutting required), and no Kitchener stitch or having to work with double-pointed needles. At a smaller gauge, things remain a bit fiddly, no way around that, but I included detailed how-to images at every turn and am always around to answer any questions along the way.
As a left-handed person, I have typically had a bit of an extra hurdle adhering to the norm of presenting crocheted patterns with right-handed instructions and how-to images only. But as my fellow lefties can appreciate, there are subtle and important differences that occur when everything flows in an opposite direction. So I’m very proud, for this pattern, to include instructions for both left and right-handed crocheters and grateful to A+++ technical editor Edie Eckman for helping me believe in (and feel excited about) this frequently mind-bending, nail-biting decision.
I’m equally pleased that for both the knitted and crocheted versions, I recommend the same beautiful hand-dyed yarn and kit (by Kelson Goods, www.kelsongoods.com). It matters to me where our yarn comes from and who is making it and Keith creates and sends out every skein with integrity and care. Making sure that the pattern was up to par took many months of work and Keith was (is) always the first person I want to write with any creative success or failure or idea. There are no limits to his support, quick wit or the comfort and trust I feel as a result. Our working list of upcoming projects consistently lifts me to the ceiling and I thank my lucky stars every day for that and for him.
The process of writing patterns and putting them out into the world remains for me above all, a pure labor of love. I am so pleased to finally be able to share this one with all of you!
MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED
A complete kit for all of the yarn needed to make the pattern can be found at www.kelsongoods.com.
Yarn A: 1 skein of Kelson DK from Kelson Goods (75% superwash merino and 25% nylon) in River Grass. Each skein is approximately 122 yards (112 meters). Frog requires approximately 65 yards (60 meters).
Yarn B: 1 skein of Kelson DK from Kelson Goods (75% superwash merino and 25% nylon) in Tumbleweed. Each skein is approximately 122 yards (112 meters). Toad requires approximately 50 yards (45 meters).
Yarns C, D, E, and F: 1 ball of Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift, 100% pure Shetland Wool in Rye (C), Moss (D), Wren or Mogit (E), and Burnt Umber (F). Each ball is approximately 114 yards (104 meters). The jacket requires approximately 38 yards (35 meters) of Color F. The bathing suit requires approximately 20 yards (18 meters) of Color C and 27 yards (26 meters) of Color D. The pants require approximately 45 yards (41 meters) of Color E.
Size B (2.25 mm) crochet hook
Stitch markers (including removable stitch markers
1 bag of stuffing of your choosing
Small amount of black embroidery floss
Sewing needle and white sewing thread
GAUGE
For Frog and Toad:
22 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in single crochet
For Clothing:
22 stitches and 25 rows = 4 inches in single crochet
SIZES
Finished Dimensions:
Frog: Approximately 9 inches long.
Toad: Approximately 7 inches long.
Please note, to eliminate confusion when ordering this pattern (crocheted version vs. knitted version), I made sure to keep the posts and links for each of them entirely separate. But please as an added precaution, take a moment to make sure you are on the correct post (and that the pattern name in your cart says CROCHET at the end of it) since I am not able to swap files out once an order is completed. Thank you!