FROG AND TOAD
I’ve always loved the saying that “reading is dreaming with your eyes open,” and as a child, no book filled my dreamscape more vividly than Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad series. Tucked under our quilts, my parents would often read the books to my twin sister and me before bed and the sense of comfort and home they provided was immense.
Several years ago, while visiting my parents for Christmas, I found our tattered copy of Frog and Toad Are Friends on the shelf and, armed with a strong Manhattan, sat by the woodstove with a ball of green yarn and sock needles and began to experiment with how one might make a Frog. Could short rows be used to create a chin or knee caps? What stitch might work best to mimic a webbed foot? It was an evening of smiling and experimenting and revisiting the pages of Lobel’s magic with new appreciation. After completing the Frog, a stockier Toad followed, along with clothing from several of my favorite scenes, including a bathing suit, a jacket and pair of pants. Remnants I had of hand dyed yarn felt particularly well-suited to match Lobel’s watercolor illustrations, and laceweight Shetland with its rustic, rougher feel and rich colors seemed to work perfectly for the clothing.
For the filling, I chose pellets that I found at a local craft store and really liked the weighty bean bag feel they provided. But wanting to also try a non-plastic option, I eventually found an alternative material created out of ground walnut shells and lavender buds (typically used for pincushions). That material, although finer and rather dusty, allows for a more natural way to add heft and smells quite nice. Details for both are provided in the list of needed materials.
The pdf includes instructions for the Frog, Toad, Bathing Suit, Jacket and Pants and skill-wise, things are probably more on the advanced side overall. But wherever I could, I suggest easier alternatives to some of the more advanced techniques. It is not imperative, for example, to graft or use provisional cast-ons and one can simply sew things together instead (the only difference will be a few extra seams). For the eyes, I used Elizabeth Zimmerman’s brilliant afterthought pocket technique, which requires cutting your knitting (not as scary as it might sound) and I provide how-to images at every point along the way.
As deeply rooted as knitting can be in our family histories, being able to articulate this particular childhood memory of mine in knitted form has been a special thrill and one I feel grateful to be able to share with all of you now.
MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED
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 (E), and Burnt Umber (F). Each ball is approximately 114 yards (104 meters). The jacket requires approximately 38 yards of Color F. The bathing suit requires approximately 28 yards of Color C and 20 yards of Color D. The pants require approximately 45 yards of Color E.
A complete kit for all the yarn needed to make the pattern can be found at www.kelsongoods.com.
A set of US 1 double pointed needles
Stitch markers (including removable stitch markers)
Waste yarn
1 bag of Loops and Threads pellets or 1 bag of PlumEasy Patterns Lavender Scented Ground Walnut Shells
Small amount of black embroidery floss
Sewing needle and white sewing thread
1 size B-1 (2.25 mm) crochet hook (optional)
GAUGE
For Frog and Toad:
32 stitches and 40 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
For Clothing:
36 stitches and 56 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
SIZES
Finished Dimensions:
Frog: Approximately 9 inches long.
Toad: Approximately 7 inches long.