Our daughter loves Martin and Chris - the Kratt brothers. She loves to reenact the programs, especially with a best friend that enjoys the same show. Both of the girls have birthdays one day apart, one Sunday and the other on Monday - and I decided to make both a "creature suit" so they could play, imagine and reenact the shows in true character.
Super Creature Power Suits are not in stores, that I could find, but I found a blog, karascreativeplace.blogspot.com, in which the woman made all the necessary items for a Wild Kratts themed birthday party. Boys and girls alike, who love animals and nature, are drawn to this PBS show - but as mentioned, no costumes are out there.
From images on this blog, and looking at an episode image on the PBS web-site, it appears these costumes can be pretty simple to make. First, for the bottom - a pair of cargo style pants, aka "super adventure pants" will do, along with hiking boots (although hikers are not necessary).
For the top two T shirts will be needed. Either a red, sky blue, or olive green - with a separate black T. A 9x12 piece of felt to match the color T is needed. A pair of black knit gloves (optional) will finish the suit as seen on TV.
To make the super creature power suit (on my to do this week!) cut the sleeves off the black T, and cut out the neckline to create a V-neck. Cut off bottom portion as well so it is approx 5-6 shorter than the colored T. (Making a slight upside down V in the bottom hemline of the T will be more like those used on the show, versus a straight across cut.) This will be pulled over the colored T like a vest.
Note that I simply bought a black T a size smaller than the color and shortening was not necessary - and because I was short on time I decided to pass on making the bottom more V in shape.
Felt was used to create the Super Creature Power Button (this will turn your adventurer into a part human/part animal with super creature powers). From the 9x12 felt cut one strip 2" wide x 12" long, set aside. Remaining should be a 12x7" piece. From this cut a 6" circle and three 2" circles. Baste or fuse the 6" circle in the center of the vest with 2" circles positioned on top to create a "paw print".
From the 2x12" section of felt cut the following accent tabs all 2" wide (skip this step if time is an issue):
two 1/2" pieces
four 1" pieces
four 1/5" pieces
Just below the shoulder seam on the front side of the vest attach 1.5" pieces at each shoulder. Just below, attach the 1" pieces.
At lower sides, but in front of side seam, attach tabs on each side as well (if bottom hemline is angled position felt at same angle). Begin with 1/2" piece at bottom of stack, then the 1" and 1.5" on top.
If you were able to find black knit gloves - from the scraps of felt cut a 2" x 1" piece and attach to top side of glove. If ambitious you can add a 1" cuff around the wrist with a 2nd 1/2" strip wrap around just below. To be truly authentic add 1/2" or smaller circle dots of felt on underside of glove at fingertip. (I did make gloves, and will post a photo soon.)
I am so excited to give the girls their birthday suit gifts - and just in time for Halloween too!
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