Complete noob and a (too ambitious?) project.. Frock co Sewing Machines Parts and Sales in Los Angeles

Hi, clothiers!

I am a young guy with no skills on a sewing machine looking to make a frock coat from a pattern (Simplicity 4923?) for a pirate-y costume I’m making for Roleplaying.

I know how to hand-sew, and actually know my way around leather quite well, but I am anxious about this project. I do not want to waste fabric and money on doing something I will regret. Would I be better off just hand-sewing it (and wasting half a year doing that?)?

Thoughts? Pointers?

Thanks!