I respect hand sewing, but the machine saves so much time that I couldn't live without it. Once in a while Wally World has good material for a kilt, but it's usually fall or winter. If you need material later I recommend the bottomweight poly-cotton twill or "target" material(35/65 polyco, heavy, not a twill though) at Joann. It's not the best material, but it's good and is always there. Don't wait for a sale, as it never goes on sale, but they almost always have 50-60% off coupons though the sales people rarely tell anyone that.

Double check that the fell line is in the right spot...that 1/3 of the overall length rule of thumb doesn't always work out. If I put mine at 8" on my 24" length it's an inch and a half too high and the kilt looks like a cheerleading uniform all flared out and goofy. And I highly recommend a-line in the over apron. It will hang and move better and looks a lot sharper.

Good luck. Take your time and do it right. And have fun.