Originally Posted by madamekelly

This will help with the needle, but NOT the fabric. I would get a cotton ball slightly damp with acetone, and wipe the needle down every time it begins to be coated. Acetone is the stuff nail polish remover is made of, but nail polish remover has oils in it that may stain your fabric. I think they still sell it at hardware stores, if not, ask at the hardware store, where to get it.