If you would like to purchase a program why don't you take a look at PC-Stitch too? I've heard that a number of of good things about it. Compare the two programs and purchase the one that tickles your fancy
I don't really trust computer programs to select colours for me (I am old fashioned) so I typically look at KG's choices as suggestions and go pick out colours for myself at the store. The process has been going a lot faster for me since I ran into funkymonkey's DMC colour chart on the forums. viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5873
I think it might be handy to look at even if you do purchase a pattern-making program. I like being able to get a better idea of what the colours are going to look like before I actually go to the store. (one time I chose a pink in KG which was a dark orange in real life)
I think your project will end up being pretty dang fantastic! I hope the tedious pattern-making process goes faster than expected.
