I've made a black courdoroy kilt and it wasn't so bad to measure and I think it was good practice to try the solid color first. As for where to get the fabric, ebay is always an option. You can also try fabric stores. Living in the South, as I do, it is hard to find any place tht stocks a lot of woolens, but I'd bet it's easier to find solid colors than tartans in the local fabric store.