Dang it, I just read my post and it seamed a bit discouraging. I didn't mean that, if it comes across that way.
I do think that you should borrow or buy a tablet anyway. Once you get the hang of it, they are very useful whether you use it seriously or just for fun. But really a 4x5 is a lot cheaper and will work as well. I thought the 6x8 might be too small but I wouldn't want a bigger one. The size is only the active area, my actual tablet is about 10x13, much bigger and you'd feel like you're at a drafting table.
I still like the fabric idea though. There must be something hanging around in white on black paisley.
Not that I'm hanging around fabric stores often (I occassionally get a hairbrianed idea to make an amp cover or pen case or something) but I'll keep an eye out anyway. I'd like to see this one complete.