I have finally reached the point of my skirt where I can offer an update on my chosen technique for sewing the waistband on. I tried my first concept of an embroidery hoop and could not get enough tension to accomplish the task. I then tried fitting the skirt (that had the elastic waist pinned evenly around it) around a lap cushion that happened to be the right size to comfortably stretch the waistband to the skirt's measurements. I pinned it to the cushion and it provided more than enough tension to easily stitch with the skirt in my lap! I managed to do a full back stitch around a 50" waist band in a few hours. There are some fit issues (waist still to loose to fit) and I am needing the proper thread color, but I will be able to post the completed project soon!