Unfortunately, we don't have a joann here, but maybe I could hit up the garment district and see if I can find patterns there. Or, I might try garysgal's suggestion with muslin and see how it goes. I have hemmed pants (I'm in between petite and regular lengths), and that went okay, so finishing the raw edges should be alright. Is there something I should use to make the waistband stiffer (as in a men's shirt collar)? Or just multiple layers of fabric? Thankfully, my mom is visiting so she can help with the zipper I think.