I agree with the others on your idea, but lightening the thread choice. I think (as weird as this may sound) that we should listen to the fabric. That was probably the fabric you heard when you came up with paisley. Maybe your friend would hear something else if she worked with the fabric and lived with it in her home, sewing space, and head for a while.
I know I sound out there, but maybe I am just explaining it wrong......or now that I think about it.....maybe I am out there!! LOL