Maybe one of you crafty mamas can help me out-

I'm using fabric from an old skirt to make bloomers, but my machine doesn't seem to want to stitch this particular material. The bottom thread is not coming through and pulling the top thread down, so no stitches are being made even though the sewing machine purrs along like it's doin just fine. It is not having a problem sewing other fabrics. This fabric is stretchy and a little plastic-y, but still pretty thin. I've tried changing the length and width of the stitches, and the thread tension. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.