Of Sketches and Bullies

Been trying to work out exactly what design I want to use with all those lovely fabrics I bought while at Wodonga.

I have an idea to piece a background in tone on tone whites and then applique in creams and bones. Been researching and sketching and have come up with a few ideas. Originally I wanted a butterfly perched on a dandelion and some pumpkin leaves and flowers around but found this was very cluttered so I dropped the dandelion.

Now I have come up with the butterfly on a pumpkin flower and a couple of leaves. This shows some of the fabrics I am trialling - thought the flower would need to be darker more orangy tones and the butterfly the softer tones. The leaves and vine would be more mid to dark tones.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Not sure how big I will make it yet - possibly a little over life size (the sketch is B4 so just a little bigger) - and not sure whether to do needle turn or raw edge. I am leaning toward raw edge because of the amount of little pieces there are going to be. The ol' blanket stitch on the machine is my favourite stitch especially in the same colour as the fabric.

Bella has settled into the household really well. Fozzie is no longer afraid of her and they play together most of the day. Fozz gets a bit aggressive when food is involved but I feed them in separate rooms so as long as I don't give them food together we have eliminated that problem.

Bella is an absolute Diva! She really attacks poor Fozz and he ends up putting his foot on her to settle her down, no sure what he will do when she grows up! She alsodemands attention when she thinks you are ignoring her; and she also likes to sleep under my computer desk. So Fozz is under the workdesk and she is under the computer desk when they both decide they are too exhausted to play anymore.