How do you know what a "toy version of the framework" looks like when you're not experienced with the framework itself?

It seems to me like you've already solved the issue of "learning the framework" if your mental model of the framework is that solid.

Knowing what a framework does (its function) and knowing how to use it (its functions) are two different levels of knowledge. sometimes you can work backwards from knowing what it does to make a very quick-and-dirty implementation.

Perhaps by addressing the issues that led to you adopting the framework?

Wouldn't building a small, toy application with the framework be a more efficient way to learn it?