(no subject)

[http://users.livejournal.com/anomaly_/]

HI to all the craft goddesses. i'm new and i have a bunch of questions...

my dad used to work in the garment business and just rcently sold his busniess. he sold much of his fabric and sewing machines, but along with 5 rolls of tulle and stretch cotton, he brought home 3 industrial sewing machines for me; an overlock (ie: serger), single needle, and double needle.
i have used all these machines before (with not much luck). though the machines are over 35 years old, they are in good working order, but i am having a lot of trouble with the pedals. they are big and bulky and it seems i'm eaither pressing too lightly or pressing WAY too hard. i can't seem to find middle ground.
also, the single needle always unthreads itself with 1 minutes of me starting to use it. i've asked my dad to help, but when he uses the machine he finds no problems. maybe the machine hates me or maybe i'm just not good yet. anyways, any hints or tips about using my new machines?

also, i started a big puffy "fairy princess" tulle skirt as a gift for my girlfriend who LOVES fairies. right now it is like 5 layers of pleated tulle sewed onto a strip of waistband. when i sew up my tulle bit to make an actual "skirt" shape, should i sew the ends of each layer together seperately, or do it all at once? and do you recomend using a sewing machine or do you think the skirt would be too puffy and and get in the way?