Being still very new here, I've been pootling around seeing what fascinating things people have done.

I must say I am astounded at my sister's multi skills! Bra-making is something I have often thought of as I am a funny size but I've never known where to begin.

I'll be back!!!

Nice to have you aboard, Mick. I'm new too.
I'm wondering what sort of fabric crafts you have experimented with.

@Lowena , I feel your pain.

I recently bought a second hand overlocker and had no end of trouble getting to grips with it. Poor Ploshkin got almost daily waily emails from me and did a lot of thinking and suggesting. Like you, I used to be a teacher and was used to being the one who knows things.

The sewing machine chap came back twice to sort out my woes and was very nice about it and didn't charge me. Both times it was me being fairly stupid that had caused the problem    I was on the verge of getting rid of the machine and even now, I'm wary about approaching it. Unlike you, though, I would gladly go on a course if I could find one!

Hope you have more success soon.

Hello there MelK.
I was the newest member until you arrived but I've been sewing forever. It's always a delight to meet people who are keen to get started 

Thank you for the suggestions, E, e and P.

I've never heard of power net, I shall investigate forthwith. I found fusible stretch interfacing and saw that it seems only available in lightweight. Not sure if that would be robust enough for a waistband.

The waistband is only about 1.5 ins when finished. As it is slightly curved  I don't think I'll go for woven elastic.

Gosh, I feel I've had a lovely welcome, thank you all.

Mind you, sneaking in on Ploshkin's coat-tails is a bit underhand, isn't it? I see she is a right old chatterbox regular contributor 

Thank for the welcome, folks. It's not just me that sits with a brew after brekkie looking at a screen, then 

MaxiPlosh, hehehe.