Thanks everyone.
Schwarz: yes, I think she'll have a few tasteful scars and bruises hopefully.
I don't nearly sketch as much as I used to, and I'm the least fussy sketcher ever - I'll draw on anything with anything. Paper, card, cereal box, tissue, whatever is to hand. And I'll use felt tips, pencils, biros, paint, anything. I think it's not so much about what you use than about making sure you just sketch. It's all good practice.
Having said that, nothing is more intimidating than a sharp pencil and a crisp bit of white paper. I tend to scribble on it first just to get over that 'where do I start?' Nervousness. It helps to not be precious about it.
Maenas: you're right about the last few details. She was probably too ambitious to make in just 12 evenings, so I definitely rushed a few bits. Hopefully I can fix her as I go, or disguise some bits with paint/freehand.
Thanks WGS and Arch.
BaM: Yes Sir!