Finishing it out with the embroidery reminds me of doing cross stitch and bringing it to life in the end with the outline stitching. Pretty similar I think although I thing the embroidery does more for the applique.
I love your idea of the white,pink and purple. I know the white cat won't show up quite as well...but she/he will just have to "get over" it! LOL!
Now to sit back and wait for the new quilt pic to be unveiled. :D: