Starting a kilt, got questions!

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Hello all,

Well based on Alan's success, the state of my finances, and the desire to wear kilts more often, I am going to embark on a kilt making journey. I have read (and still reading) Barb's book and so far everything makes sense to me.
My goal is a kilt made somewhat in the traditional manner, but not in tartan, and I will not be adverse to using a sewing machine if it will reduce the time to complete these. I also may want to consider 2 slash pockets hidden in the pleats.

Here are the 2 materials that I am going to try:

A blue herringbone pattern:


And a light gray on a dark gray flannel backing:


Both have been washed and dried and are ready for cutting. I have 4 yards, double width, of the blue and 5 yards double width of the gray. Both are fairly stable with little or not stretch. The gray looks like it will take a crease nicely but not be too prone to creasing during daily use. The blue is less stiff and I am not sure how well it will hold pleats, but I like the color and pattern. It reminds me of this kilt

Since I got this off the discount table at the local fabric store, I am only out @ $10 for each piece of cloth, and theoretically I have enough for 2 kilts from each. My first question is related to that assumption. Will the blue be long/wide enough at 4 yards to make a decent kilt? Barb's book recommends 7 yards (3 1/2 double width) for a kilt with a 36-40" waist. Will I need to cut both of them in half and then stitch them together and hide the seam in a pleat in order to make an acceptable kilt? Remember that there is not pattern to match.

for reference, I am making a kilt for a 40" waist, 44" hips, and 24" length

Some other questions:

My actual hip measure is 44", but should I add some extra to that?
Assuming 40" waist and 44" hips, would the splits 22" apron/18" pleats at the waist and 21" apron/23" pleats at the hips sound about right?
The blue has a finished fringe selvedge edge. Doesn't show up to well in the picture, but I am thinking of leaving that as my finished edge at the bottom of the kilt and no hem. Any thoughts?
The gray will get a hem, I am thinking a simple 1/8" tuck under (it is a finished selvedge, but shows a white line similar to the kilt Graham just got from Rocky), and I think the hem will look better. Again, any thoughts or advice pro or con?
What about slash pockets? I don't mind wearing a sporran, but pockets would be nice for keys and change. Also nice if just stepping out informally and dno't want to bother with the sporran. Do others feel they are appropriate or worth the effort?

I realize that all advice and opionions will be worth what I am paying for them! I reserve the right to incorporate or reject any ideas, and you all can feel free to point out when I make stupid mistakes and follow that up by being stupid enough to post it here!