Estrella's over - now what?

The annual post Estrella comedown continues. I miss my Estrella peeps.

And then there's the "What project do I tackle now?" question.

I've been thinking about the lantern situation. The paper CostPlus lanterns aren't exactly period, however, many of the period lighting solutions found in Japanese homes and encampments will not pass muster in terms of fire safety. Paper lanterns at least say "Hey, we're being Japanese here" to the average event-goer and if flame is a concern, they'll hide an LED light source satisfactorily. Still, I've wanted to explore whether there was a better way. I've found written descriptions in several places that the paper chochin evolved from simple baskets with candles or oil-and-wick dishes inside them and FINALLY found an image here.
http://pingmag.jp/2007/02/22/lantern/ 
I've never done basket weaving. Ever. And a preliminary search of ikebana supplies was financially discouraging. However, there is a caning supply shop in Berkeley and a stroll through their website tells me that they have pre-woven cane webbing for chair seat repairs that looks something like the openwork on the basket at left. http://www.caningshop.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=CHR-A2

I'd also like to find better evidence to corroborrate the PingMag article, if at all possible, but it's a start.

Another article on Japanese lighting, again with an emphasis on Edo period lanterns. http://www.lasieexotique.com/mag_illuminations/mag_illuminations.html

She Who Sucks The Least Takes You Fabric Shopping

So, you're out fabric shopping, head ringing with the conflicting and well meant advice of people who advised you before you got to the store. What do you do now?

THE BASICS
What are you going to make?
Do you have/need a pattern? (Factor in cost as needed to your project budget.)
How much yardage does it require?
How much can you afford to spend per yard, plus things like thread, interfacing or other supplies?

HOMEWORK
Are you trying to replicate a historical look? If no, skip down to the next section.
If yes, do you know what materials would have been used? What colors are appropriate? What sorts of decoration? If you're new to a particular historical style, look at examples of the style you're going for, extant garments, paintings, what have you. Having a good handle on what "right" looks like will help you make smart choices.

It's time to shop. Take a deep breath. Be prepared to walk out empty handed if you don't find something that's right.

LOOK. 
Do you like the color? (+1 point)
Do you like the texture? (+1 point) 
Do you get the sinking feeling you're going to end up looking like a Victorian sofa? (-10 points)  Or a quilt? (-10 points)

FEEL.
Does it make you go "ooh" when you touch it (+5 points)?
Does it make you go "ew" (-5 points)?
Is it light enough? Heavy enough? Sturdy enough? (Depends entirely on  what it is you're trying to make. +5 points if it feels right for what you're going to make.)
Take some in your hand and crumple it in your fist. Does it bounce back or does it hold the crease? (This is a good way to identify linen and linen blends - they will stay creased. A polyester "linen weave" will not.)

READ.
If it's on a bolt, it should be labeled as to how wide the fabric is (you need to know this to determine how much fabric you'll need). It should also tell you what the fiber content is. A Certain Craft And Fabric Chain frequently describes fabrics as "Silky" but the fine print tells you it's 100% polyester.
Do you want it to be warm in winter? Cool in summer? Breatheable? Safe to wear around a campfire or candles? Add +5 points for fiber choices that suit your needs.

BUY. Or walk away.

Good hunting.