Dear Becky, I have been successful gathering over a cord such as pearl cotton or quilting thread. I sew on the 5/8" seam allowance with a fairly narrow and short zig zag...being careful not to sew through the cord. Then I attach the waistband or sleeve with the stitching right to the inside of the zig zag so it does not show on the other side. If you want gentle gathers on a lightweight fabric many sewing machines have a gathering foot in which you sew a gathering stitch with a long stitch length the gathering foot right on the seam line and then attach again on the same stitching with a regular foot. If you want to call Nashua Sew and Vac I can check if we have a gathering foot to fit your particular sewing machine. Hope this helps! Ruthie Ryan, Nashua Sew and Vac   « less

Hello B: Don't you hate when those buttons fall off especially, on a coat or jacket? The best way to put the button back on is to gather two extra items a tooth pick and another button (preferably a clear button so it won't show if your jacket is open. Then you start by securing your thread on the back and sew one or two stitches through the clear button on the back. Put the jacket button on the front ...but as you sew the first stitches of the top button bring your needle down through the clear button on the back...before you tighten your thread slip the toothpick between the two threads underneath the top button. Sew through 5 - 6 times and when you are finished pull out the toothpick, hold the button up and wrap the thread around the threads a few times to create a thread shank so the button does not hug too closely to the jacket. We have to leave room for the other side of the jacket to button on. I hope this helps...if you need to see it done hands on stop in to Nashua Sew and Vac and I would be glad to show you. Thank you for the question. Ruthie Ryan   « less

Dear G.R. I would buy a good quality, reasonably priced sewing machine from a reputable sewing machine dealer. It is very important that you are able to take your daughter to an after purchase class to learn to operate the sewing machine at the dealer you purchase it from. Nashua Sew and Vac has several models to choose from and gives a 2 1/2 hour orientation class on how to operate the new machine...good for Mom (or Dad) and Daughter. I hope this helps. Ruthie Ryan   « less

In order to get back in touch with your sewing skills; I would think about sewing lounge pants to give you a refresher on sewing terms regarding hem and seam finishes; as well as the details on how to cut out the garment...taking in account grain line and nap. Lounge pants is one of our more popular classes at Nashua Sew and Vac. You may want to check out our website (nashuasewandvac.com) for a sewing class that may interest you! I hope this helps. Ruthie Ryan    « less