As mentioned in my intro, I really struggle with tight waistbands - and by tight, I mean 'won't fall down on their own'.
As an example, I have some XL thick tights, pre-stretched by wetting and then drying stretched over a chair - they're comfortable when I'm out and about, but when I'm at home relaxing or working, they feel really uncomfortable. And I'm 5' 0", size 10, and weigh 7.5 stone!
I have a few pairs of leggings, jeggings & tights I'd like to alter. The leggings & jeggings I'm thinking of removing the waistband and creating a new channel (if that's the right term), and threading new elastic through which has ends that can be tied like a drawstring. The tights, I'm wondering if I can simply lower the waistband (as they're so large and I'm short it comes up very high) by taking a horizontal fold of the fabric below the waistband, stitching round, cutting off the excess, and binding the raw edges. If that doesn't work, I can do similar to the leggings.
The problem is, I have a 60-year-old Singer 201K that only does straight stitch, and don't have a zig-zag foot, so not much use for stretchy fabric or finishing edges. I'm wondering whether to try to find a zig-zag foot for it, or whether it's time to treat myself to a new sewing machine. I love my Singer, it used to be my mum's till she 'upgraded', but it does such a beautiful stitch... but it is limiting.
I wonder if I could have your thoughts, please? Would a new machine with zig-zag, something to finish raw edges nicely, and other bells & whistles make my life easier? I don't tend to do a lot of sewing because of shoulder problems, but it would be nice to have the option to do more....