One of my faves in terms of coming up with a design is using construction paper and sewing your pattern with that, then stuffing it to get a brief idea of what it will look like... then if you like, transfer to fabric.
Oh, I used a similar technique then =) Only that I made a plasticine model, then carefully wrapped it in thin layer of tissue paper, and then made a draft patterns. The head look okay as of now, although I would need to improve NiGHTS's face and collar.
As for the WIP photos, I'm afraid that the only capturing device I have is a web-cam, and I know all too well how bad photos ruin the impression =( I can try, though.