Thanks everyone..... I've used the John James gold eye needles but it seems that they are harder to pull through the fabric layers. I guess I can't have 'easy to pull through' and 'strong enough to not bend' at the same time. I have learned not to put too much tension on the quilt while it's on the frame. I did that mistake on my first handquilted project.
I'll try the Roxanne needles if I can find them. Do you all get them at your LQS? I have to go in to pick up the feathers templates so I'll check out the size 11s.
It's so good to have quilting friends that know the answers to my questions.