Sure, some old airplanes were covered with a linen like fabric that was sewn onto the frame. Then the fabric was painted with a glue like substance called dope. Paint was applied over the dope and you have a fabric covered airplane.
Don't let the flying bug bite you, it is lots of fun but expensive.
My dad was a crop duster and he built wings. I and my little sisters (he called us his guys) helped him . We were the "glue" painters. We were probably doing "dope" before there was dope and didn't even know it. I remember the smell like it was yesterday:')
My aunt and uncle used to fly alot, and got a lot of enjoyment out of it. (I don't know what they flew) It seems really really neat, but I'm way too afraid of crashing to be able to actually relax and enjoy myself.