SO much valuable information here! Thanks to you all for the sharing of your time and thoughts. I have read and re-read each post and made careful notes on the suggestions.

Still a bit confused re the waist.
Previously, I had assumed that the natural waist should be at the level of the belly button. Trying the exercise in the book would work for most, but when I seek the level between the bottom of the ribs and the hips where things are supposed to taper when bending sideways, it just doesn't work like that; a dunlop only tends to kind of sqoosh outwards. So, is it then best to assume where that magical point used to be when there actually was a more "natural waist", OR is it better to mark an X at the level of the navel or a similar point. Fortunately, the navel line is still below the ribs and above the hips!
I have read and re-read, used highlighter on the points to be read yet again and am TRULY ever more respectful of everyone's talents and the myriad considerations that would go into a properly tailored kilt.
Too, I have been reviewing the genealogy on my 'Legacy Family Tree Deluxe" and come up with ayers, Cameron, Day, Fairbanks, Goodenow, Green, Howe, Huggins, Kennedy, McGregor, McCullough, McCutcheon, Montgomery, Moulton, Murrel, Stanhope, Walker, and many others, but now need to begin looking at them all to determine what does have a tartan, what I like, and what, if any look too complex for my second kilt. For myself, I tend not to wear much bright red...not a judgement, but just not me. I also prefer the more muted, natural colors, as opposed to those that are too complex or screamingly bold.
Now to move on to step two, the fabric.