From what I have read here from Barb and from others, it is probably best to work with wool first and foremeost if, in the end, you will be working towards a traditional wool kilt. From my understanding some of the materials can be quite different. So while working with a Poly/viscose or a poly/wool to start sounds good, would it not be better to work with wool from the start?

I too am setting everything up to start my first home made kilt (just waiting for my friend to send the measurements).

Have a look at Fraser and Kirkbrights remnat section http://www.wooltartans.com/tartans5.htm
and their US site http://www.thescottishweaver.com/
You can find some good deals on remnats to play with. I believe both sites update their lists monthly.