When I want an "image block" I turn to Etsy on line (Etsy.com). I have had one of their craftsmen/women digitalize the image, and another actually do the machine embroidery for me. I don't do it often, so it doesn't make sense for me to get an embroidery machine.
There is also software out there to design quilts on your computer. Oh, what the heck is the name of it. I don't have it yet, but there is some for both PC's and Macs. Other quilters, please help me out here!
Perhaps you could google "software for quilt designing", or something like that.
Good luck to you! Sounds like an awesome project!