What was the first Kermit the Frog puppet made out of?

Ah, the lovable green icon of felt and friendship! Kermit the Frog has been hopping his way into our hearts since 1955, when Jim Henson and his wife Jane brought him to life on a local TV show called "Sam and Friends." Little did they know they were setting the stage for a cultural phenomenon that would span nearly seven decades and counting.

From those humble beginnings in Washington D.C., Kermit evolved from an abstract lizard-like creature to the charming amphibian we know today. He's worn many hats (and collars) over the years - from roving reporter on Sesame Street to the long-suffering but ever-optimistic showrunner of The Muppet Show. Who among us hasn't channeled a bit of Kermit energy, trying to wrangle our own personal chaos muppets through life's daily circus?

Kermit's journey mirrors the evolution of television itself. As black-and-white sets gave way to color, his signature hue shifted from a drab olive to the vibrant green we associate with him today. Yet through all the changes, Kermit's core - his kindness, his wit, and yes, even his occasional exasperation - has remained as constant as his Rainbow Connection.

It's easy to forget that this global superstar started as a simple hand puppet, lovingly crafted by Henson himself. While modern Kermits are marvels of puppetry engineering, that first version was a testament to creativity and resourcefulness. Speaking of which, have you ever wondered what everyday item Henson used to create the very first Kermit? Here's a hint: it's fabric! Sorry, can't give away hints that easily.

So, what common household object did Jim Henson transform into the world's most famous frog?