Hoppy Frog Hat                                                               

Chunky Earflap Hat Materials Magic Garden Buttons, white yarn for pom poms, two 5/8 black shank-style buttons, bit of red yarn for smile, for preemies/newborns: 5 dpn US 1.5 & 2; for older babies/toddlers up to 18 mo: 5 dpn US 3 & 4 Gauge: preemie/newborn: 2=17sts/18 r; older babies: 2=15sts/ 16r  Directions:  With smaller ndls and MC, cast on 60 (72, 84) sts. Split evenly onto 4 ndls and join, being careful not to twist. K2, p2 around for 6 (7, 8) rnds and change to larger ndls. Purl around for 25 (28, 32) rnds. Decreases: ndl 1: p1, ssp, p12 (15, 18); ndl 2:p12 (15, 18) p2tog, p1; repeat for ndls 3 & 4. Next rnd: ndl 1: p1, ssp, p11 (14, 17); ndl 2: p11 (14, 17), p2tog, p1; rep for needles 3 & 4. Cont. established dec pattern, dec the st count on each ndl by one for each rnd worked, until 40 (52, 64) total sts remain (10, 13, 16 each ndl). Purl around. Wk 1 dec round, as established; rep the prev. two steps until 24 (36, 48) sts remain. Use a 3-needle bind off, on the outside of the hat, to close the top. Tie off and weave in end. Finishing: Using red yarn, embroider a broad smile between the cheeks that are formed by the first set of dec. Using a simple backstitch, or even running stitch. Make two tight pom poms with white yarn (or use purchased). Using white yarn and tapestry needle, thread the yarn up from the bottom of the pom pom, leaving about 6 of tail. Loop through the shank on your button and thread back from top to bottom, cutting the 2nd tail to 6. Pull firmly to nest the button and attach firmly to the pom pom. Tie on the underside of the pom. Do not cut tails. With needle, or crochet hook, thread the tail through the front of the hat to the inside about 1/2 from the top. Flip hat inside-out and firmly tie the eyes3 or 4 knots are suggested. Clip tails and weave in ends. For more great patterns and a matching set of Flipper Slippers, visit www.p2designs.com.