Trying to find Kermit the Frog Banjo strap

[BingoMaru]

Hello everybody. I’m trying to source down the ribbon used for Kermit’s banjo in the Rainbow Connection scene from the 1978 Muppet Movie.

So far, I know it’s probably 7/8”-1” wide, and probably a Petersham Grosgrain woven ribbon. I think. I’ve found a lot of similar patterns, but looking to really find this exact pattern.

Side note- the ribbon showcased in the Disney+ show Prop Culture is not the original ribbon, and was mentioned as such in the show as a replacement. Close, but not the OG.

 

[Moviefreak]

Maybe it was sourced from something else, like a belt or suspenders. You never know.

Maybe add “vintage elastic striped belt and suspenders” to your search.

 

[OzDean]

Maybe it was sourced from something else, like a belt or suspenders. You never know.

Maybe add “vintage elastic striped belt and suspenders” to your search.

I instantly thought of Mork's suspenders!

 

[flimzy]

I gave up and went with the only one I could find at local fabric shop.

 

[joberg]

It's a two part strap:
It's this kind on the left:

Plus this kind: "Knit Tape Striped Trimming Ribbon": Amazon U.K.

 

[Moviefreak]

I still feel it may be a belt or elastic suspenders, similar to these vintage styles...

 

[BingoMaru]

I still feel it may be a belt or elastic suspenders, similar to these vintage styles...

View attachment 1661646View attachment 1661647

You may be on to something with the belt/suspenders idea, but it’s just the width that becomes an issue. With the banjo being so small, the strap shouldn’t be more than 7/8-1” wide.

I DID find the exact ribbon used for the banjo that was showcased on Disney+ Prop Culture episode. So there is that, if this search proved fruitless for the original band.

 

[flimzy]

My gut was, that it was the watch strap material from kids watch’s just bought on the real. We had box’s and box’s at the shop of odds and ends the buyer would just pick up from fabric shops and a place called derwent fastenings I think it was called if it was made at the UK shop? its defiantly contemporary to the time and might not be available anymore.

 

[BingoMaru]

So on the screenshots, it looks like it goes

White edge
Dark border
Light blue/white
Red
Pink
Dark center
Yellow
Green
Blue
Dark border
White edge

Does that look right to everyone?

 

[flimzy]

in the 80s as kids there were hundreds of different cheap watch straps, to go on your Micky or Smurf watch. Like Phone covers today.

they where so cheap that there hard to find today.

Vintage Stripe Grosgrain Ribbon Trim

www.timelesstrims.com

Multicolor Striped Grosgrain Ribbon - 1/2" Online Ribbon - May Arts

1/2" by 50 yard bulk ribbon roll. This online ribbon is great for easy packaging on your products from candles to cookies.

mayarts.com

 

[flimzy]

I gave up but if you ever find it please let me know.

 

[joberg]

I gave up but if you ever find it please let me know.

You might be unto something with the Grosgrain Ribbons

 

[flimzy]

this came from the Disney special. if that is the original strap I'm wrong it looks like 3/4" ribbon.

 

[BingoMaru]

I actually

this came from the Disney special. if that is the original strap I'm wrong it looks like 3/4" ribbon.
View attachment 1662059View attachment 1662060

I actually found that exact ribbon, and have several yards incoming. As a good close second if I can’t source the original ribbon

 

[flimzy]

I actually

I actually found that exact ribbon, and have several yards incoming. As a good close second if I can’t source the original ribbon

fantastic

 

[joberg]

Great stuff Bingo Maru

 

[flimzy]

I actually

I actually found that exact ribbon, and have several yards incoming. As a good close second if I can’t source the original ribbon

Where did you find it I’d like to get some to replace mine if I can. It’s a project that’s been on hold for a long time as the programming is over my head. I do have a plan I just have to find time.

 

[Shyaporn]

View attachment 1661641

That's beautiful work/horrifying!

 

[BingoMaru]

Found the replacement strap, arrived today. Looks pretty dead on. Now waiting to get the strap in the mail that I found that I *believe* is the OG strap…

 

[BingoMaru]

Alright kids. I got my second ribbon sample, this time trying to emulate the exact ribbon seen in The Muppet Movie. These pics are both under natural light, and then a filter to emulate what was seen on screen, but no photoshop. I feel it’s pretty close. What are your thoughts?