Gathered Muslin Lamp Slip ~ Fail

Okay, it all started out innocently enough.  I found these lamps that I really liked at TJs and toted them home, kept them the requisite couple of weeks to make sure I really (vs. a passing fancy) liked them.   Then, I saw this really cute lamp slip and thought, "I could do that!"  Here's my version:

Now, quit laughing!  I'm sure your momma told you it wasn't polite to laugh out loud at someone.  Let's take a look at my inspiration.

Image via SoftSurroundings.com Vintage Linen Lampshade cover. 

Sorry, I couldn't get it to copy over here better. 

It looked lovely, classic, with a touch of romantic softness.  I thought it looked gauzy, and "hey," I had muslin, it was a done deal.  Does it look like a grandma bedtime hat to you?

...I remember this book illustration from when I was a child...the resemblance is uncanny...

image via This Blog

Back to the drawing board, I'd say.  I flung a few other fabric remnants on the other shade to check them out with the new gold! paint color.

This fabric looked really good against the wall color.

But.  I dunno, stripey/stripey. 

I think I'll take the striped scrap to the fabric store and see if I can find something else that will work well in the room.

Sigh, I guess I'm not destined to be romantic.  Or, at least my dining room isn't.