About a year ago I bought a 1930's vintage hand-crank Singer to use when going to car shows with my significant other. He enjoys the old cars, I could care less but like to be with him. Working with this machine is wonderful! People will stop by and ask me how can I possibly sew using just one hand for the fabric?? Easy, I say, because the stitch is so straight, little guiding is needed!

That said, have you ever seen the tv commercial where two women are "discussing" high fructose, or corn syrup, in a kid's drink? One woman objects, the other asks her "why??" The first woman is put on the spot, trying to come up with reasons for not using that particular drink. Makes me wonder if the same approach might not work with your "fool" commentor! Ask her "why not use it??" See what she comes up with. Bet you can counter every reason she thinks of!

Also, you're not a fool. How rude of her!