So, a rethink was in order! The design was fine - was it the colour? Tried again in a black floral, and with a few tweaks to the length an the collar, I think we have a winner!
I also removed the whiskers, since a comment made to me that it made her look more like a cat. I was unsure, but I do like it better.
She also needed some shoes, so rather than make some, I painted them on. Easy peasy!!
Her pants have a hole for the tail to fit, and was made using my new favourite method - a rectangle! Super easy!!