New project - finally!

I've been thinking about, looking at and rejecting one project after another for weeks. What was I going to do next? I started on a design based on that beautiful plate I received as a gift but wasn't happy with it. It still isn't right so that will have to wait. Pouring over my books and cruising the net didn't help me make a decision either. Then I got an email from Thistle Threads about the new Glittering Nightcap online class. Ahh...lovely. I zipped off to the site to check it out and was pretty excited until I saw the cost. I've read on various embroidery sites that these courses are first rate and the historical information is unlike anything offered elsewhere, but right now I just can't afford it. If I could, I would sign up in a heartbeat. Maybe next time...The course also appealed to me because when the embroidery was done, the piece would be made into someTHING. All but one of my embroidered pieces are flat, and currently in a large portfolio, safely stored. I wanted to do more than just stitch - I wanted to make something.So, I was simultaneously disappointed the class didn't work out for me this time and motivated to find something similar to stitch. Back to my books to search for an idea - again. Then, in the wonderful book by Virginia Churchill Bath I found it - a darling little Gentleman's Cap from the 16th century. One of the very best things about the book Embroidery Masterworks: classic patterns and techniques for contemporary application are the patterns included for each piece. This weekend, I spent happy hours redrawing and reducing the pattern so I could make my very own cap.Unfortunately there is only a black and white photo of the cap in the book. The entire thing is worked in gold on linen but I think I will introduce color to the design.The first thing I did with the original pattern in the book was to reduce it by 30%. I had to make four copies of the one pattern, cut them apart and then tape them together, making sure the piece met in all the correct places. According to the author, the pattern on the cap doesn't match up where each of the 4 sections meet. If you look closely at the photo above, you can see the design doesn't match up where the seam on the left side of the crown is.Virginia Churchill Bath gives very clear instructions on how to construct the cap when it's finished, including how to attach the brim at the bottom. I'll write all about it when I get to that point, but that's why there's a space between the top and bottom bits. I then traced the design onto tracing paper, ready to transfer to the fabric.As you can see, my design doesn't have all the details (spangles and tiny stems coming out of all the petal shapes) the original one has. I'll add those as I work since transferring them to the fabric would be too confusing and there is a huge risk of me drawing something that isn't right! I find it's easier to transfer the big parts of the design and hand draw the details.I'll be using gold passing thread and purl pearl and maybe other gold threads as well. To add color, I'm debating between using Pearsall's silk, gylt silk twist, or a combination of both. Colors being considered are royal blues, rich reds, deep greens. Input welcome!