Welcome back vickig626. So good that you have formulated a plan. Looking forward to seeing your progress.
Franky is turning out differently than designed as well. I have decided not to do the 4 paper-pieced characters around the outer border as Franky will be overwhelmed. I've also decided that Franky has become too much fun to use my horror movie fabric for a backing. I already have a plan for that fabric, though.
Thanks for the compliments about Franky. I'm enjoying working on my home made monster.
