That's too funny! Glad you got it figured out. A lot of times I have tried to get by with what I had, only to go through the constant Grrrrr*()(*()*. I was told I sounded like a disgruntled zoo ready to start a revolution.
Now, the first thing I do before starting FMQ is put in the correct needle; one made for quilting. The old needle can be stabbed into a bar of soap to save the tip. No, this does not clog up the eye. When you return to your utility sewing, you still have needles that are perfectly fine that can be used and the animals have been tamed.