Actually just did this for another forum I frequent, but didn't share the texture there. Still, I think some folk here might find it fun to use. I included a possibility too (really like being able to upload images locally here).

ref: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1221698 (royalty free, but not my image, so maybe just use the texture for fun purposes).

That is a real cool effect. =)

Thanks Rod; It took a lot of experimenting over the years to figure out not just how to make a better sphere (GIMP's Map Object filter sucks (enlieu of another term)) but to also add perspective for transparent textures. Maybe willing to share the info once I stop being lazy (just downright lazy right now).

That is stunning, Lyle. It looks Oriental. Could be the top of a parasol.

Thanks for the comments O; went ahead and did a fake Poincaré too.

Wow beautiful...i love the frst

Thanks PC; just released a basic tut on how to create the first sphere (better then the one that I created here by the way).

And here I was thinking it looked like a truly epic Hawaiian shirt.

What is it with me and fabrics? I don't actually do that much sewing...

yup will be a nice texture for cloth too

Yeah it would! =)