I understand that she thinks the Mardi Gras fabric is special since she apparently loves it. For someone who is so intent on her theme, a simpler pattern using Mardi Gras would probably make her delirious with joy. IOW, you are wasting your time on intricate designs when what she wants is the theme fabric itself. :)
Maybe when she's older she'll appreciate the front better. :) Cheer up and enjoy your time this Christmas.
I have a problem giving very time consuming gifts to people who have never done whatever it is I'm giving. They simply can't appreciate the work that went into the project. For that reason, I'd rather give a quilt to a quilter, a cross-stitched project to a cross stitcher, a knitted project to a knitter, etc.