I love all the creative suggestions!
Another option instead of tracing on the background fabric is to trace on clear plastic document savers sheets (I cut them apart so there is only one layer). Trace your entire pattern. I am still working on the "My Cats Garden" and the panels are large with hundreds of pieces. It took four document saver sheets for the center panel. With the traced plastic on top of the background, slide the applique piece under the plastic and position. This is especially helpful when the pieces lay over each other instead of on the background fabric. You still have to trace the design on the applique piece, either with a light box or around the cut out template.