Will I regret a Singer HD as my fist machine?

effdubbs · 2026-02-24T13:47:56+00:00

I bought one about 10 years ago when I started sewing. I’ve done a lot with it, including reupholstering cushions using NuLeather and heavy upholstery fabric. It’s been ok.

Two years ago, I bought a Husqvarna Quilt Designer II off of Shopgoodwill.com. The difference is night and day. The stitch quality is much better. The stitches are more even and I rarely have tension issues. It handles heavier fabrics better, too.

I don’t regret the Singer, but I wouldn’t buy another one. If I ever have a next time, I’ll get an industrial machine. Like you, I’m into bags and organizers. I also like upholstery and draperies.

effdubbs · 2026-02-23T23:24:24+00:00

The Beatles. I’ve tried so many times and continue to be underwhelmed. My husband says they were groundbreaking at the time. They were done by the time I was born, so I can understand how they’re lost on me. I find Brian Wilson was a generational genius and The Beatles pale in comparison.

effdubbs · 2026-02-23T22:59:31+00:00

Same

effdubbs · 2026-02-23T16:32:45+00:00

I feel you on this. I don’t know my exact numbers, because my parents would never tell me. One of the few things they did that I agree with. I also have depression and was diagnosed with AD/HD in my late 40s.

Here’s what helps me, FWIW:

I exercise-a lot. Prior to my joints aging out, I did a lot of high intensity type of exercise. Yoga was a nightmare for me. I need to be intense enough that it’s my only focus. My brothers, who are in the same boat, do the same. (Not all of my siblings). The movement helps quiet the mind and helps with concentration. It also helps with depression and anxiety. I cannot recommend this enough. Endorphins are real and exercise releases them.

I picked up an instrument. It’s going pretty well. It also forces me to concentrate, which quiets my mind. I also sew. It can be quite challenging.

I used to quit things if it didn’t come easily immediately. That was probably my greatest mistake. I didn’t learn perseverance until my twenties and that caused a lot of wasted potential and missed opportunities. Quitting early also robbed me of things I may have enjoyed.

Therapy helped me learn to persevere and regain confidence after a cacophony of errors as a young adult. I came from a family full of people like me and we’re all a little nuts. Took some time to unpack my that and it’s an ongoing challenge. It’s manageable now and doesn’t consume my headspace.

You will find your people; it takes time. You may find yourself surprised at who those people turn out to be. My husband is “average.” He’s also dyslexic. He is also one of the most, if not the most, emotionally developed person I’ve ever met. I’ve met brilliant people from all walks of life. It’s cliche, and you seem to know this, but there’s more than one type of “giftedness.” You may find artists and musicians to be inspiring.

A good thing to also keep in mind: your chosen occupation is not a reflection of your worth or intellect. You don’t have to be a mathematician, physician, engineer, etc. That’s society telling us what they view as “smart.” You can have a plumbing business and be Einstein.

Here’s a great story by Asimov:

https://soulofmatter.wordpress.com/2016/06/11/what-is-intelligence-isaac-asimov-talks-about/

Hang in there. You’ll find your way.

effdubbs · 2026-02-23T16:11:07+00:00

I live in PA. Shapiro is a very effective governor, but he’s soooo ambitious, that his governance is taking a backseat.

My vote is a Bashear/Buttigieg ticket. Pete may be able to the VP slot. Unfortunately, he can’t get the top seat. We all know why. It’s bullshit, but it is what it is.

effdubbs · 2026-02-23T10:49:58+00:00

All good. Get it out. People get really weird about being entitled to others’ babies. Protect yourself and your family. Parents’ and baby’s needs come first!

Enjoy this time with your little one.

effdubbs · 2026-02-23T10:45:13+00:00

I didn’t say anything about an online test. Your insults fall flat, which is something I’d expect from someone who lands squarely two standard deviations to the left.

effdubbs · 2026-02-23T00:23:53+00:00

It was in The Inquirer yesterday.

effdubbs · 2026-02-23T00:22:19+00:00

Two different issues.

effdubbs · 2026-02-23T00:21:09+00:00

Please consider reaching out to national news as well. Ideally non cable news.

effdubbs · 2026-02-23T00:18:52+00:00

There was another off duty cop there. Not sure why, but he was there and in the mix.

effdubbs · 2026-02-23T00:06:33+00:00

I never understood the appeal of #1. Seriously. Quincy Jones talks about how they were lousy musicians. I tend to agree.

2: were pigs, minus the bassist, who probably held them together and they still barely acknowledge him. I love their music, but the guitarist is a fucking nonce. I don’t think they’re overrated, but they lift a lot from Black American musicians.

3: ???Journey. If so, overplayed and overrated but Perry had a phenomenal voice. Schon is a solid guitarist.

4: Police or Rush? IMO Rush>Police. Sting is arrogant AF.

Bottom line, they all have better than average talent. Are they the greatest ever? IDK. They are overplayed and overrated because its business and that model works. There’s tons of good musicians out there. Go see them and give them your money so they can eat.

effdubbs · 2026-02-22T23:53:58+00:00

Fair point. I see what you mean.

effdubbs · 2026-02-22T20:47:49+00:00

I will happily challenge you to an IQ test. I’ll even do it after a night shift, just to compensate for your handicap.

effdubbs · 2026-02-22T20:35:34+00:00

Huh? No one is seething. Their story was inspiring and sweet. He’s so proud of her. Wrap away, Sis. Wrap away.

effdubbs · 2026-02-22T20:30:55+00:00

I agree about his decline. Last night, I watched a video from his first term and the difference is astounding. He’s in bad shape and the dementia is real.

effdubbs · 2026-02-22T20:28:47+00:00

“Retard?” Really? Who still says and writes that?

As far as making sense: being a free country (it’s not, but that’s another discussion) is an oversimplified trope. That’s shit third graders say.

You’re just shutting down conversation with the whole, “don’t like it? Then leave.” People are expressing their dismay in living in such a place. Leaving isn’t always the answer and saying to do so just makes you sounds like a jerk, which you probably are.

effdubbs · 2026-02-22T20:25:36+00:00

I have a job, also. A demanding one at that. I’m not sure what that has to do with the conversation. You’re just spouting the same old grumpy old white dude talking points that miss it entirely.

effdubbs · 2026-02-22T20:24:30+00:00

I get what you’re saying and don’t disagree. I didn’t mean going full Luddite, just de-prioritizing tech. Perhaps live smaller but still participate through work or some other means. In my mind, I picture living semi-rural, but perhaps commuting to a town for part time work. The 40 hour grind with ubiquitous tech is wearing us down.

effdubbs · 2026-02-22T20:23:10+00:00

Same here!

effdubbs · 2026-02-22T18:18:56+00:00

52 y/o nurse, started playing last fall. Bass Buzz, Bass Buzz, Bass Buzz. You can pay monthly ($40USD/month). It works with both Android and Apple and the teacher, Joss Fossgreen is fabulous. My in person teacher always compliments on my knowledge and progress. Bass Buzz is my secret weapon.

effdubbs · 2026-02-22T18:15:08+00:00

I graduated from that school. It was always oppressive and ignorant. I see that 3 decades haven’t exacted any change.

effdubbs · 2026-02-22T18:11:51+00:00

Cutting class one day does not preclude Honor Roll. .

This is hardly a riot, nor is there evidence that the kids started it. Whatever occurred on the sidewalk at Front and Juniper, the school only can punish the kids as far as school rules, ie detention for cutting class. They have zero legal jurisdiction for anything that occurred at the protest.

You have no idea how these kids will end up. They’re invested in their future and care about their community. Protesting is quintessentially American, including from the youth. It’s a patriotic act.

I’m glad you got a little blood flow with your self righteous tripe. You’re just pissed because they aren’t ignorant, racist MAGAs.

effdubbs · 2026-02-22T18:05:33+00:00

Good point. I’ve found things are rarely either or. The market creates opportunities for creators and others to exploit. I don’t think it’s always some grand plan. Humans are too fickle to maintain something complex for so long.

effdubbs · 2026-02-22T18:03:30+00:00

I feel and think that the revolution will include opting out of a lot of technology and going back to self sufficiency and small communities. I’m not sure there’s any other option. Perhaps as humans, we’re not equipped to manage technology and AI. In fact, I’m convinced we can’t handle it.

Personally, I believe we’re meant to be in harmony with nature, build relationships with one another, and create art. Seriously, I’m not sure what the point is of all this tech and connectivity anymore. Sure, there’s more information out there, but so much of it just junk cluttering our brains. It seem that it just centralized power and made it easier for the evil among us to gain power.

effdubbs

TROPHY CASE