Lots of good ideas about choosing a pattern. Once you have that, I suggest you choose a covering, and find out what the dimensions of the roll are.

I like to take some measurements of my pattern, and figure how to most efficiently cut the segments out of available space on the roll of covering. Saved myself a roll of Super Coverite when I was covering my BUSA ¼-scale Cub. Had a somewhat lesser savings on my Lanier ¼-scale Laser, when I was covering it in a yellow & black Caterpillar scheme.

Good luck,
Dave Olson