Many thanks for all the suggestions that came in while I was out shop hopping. I was able to find the bobbin washers, but no luck with the titanium needles. But a wonderful board member has offered to send me one to test drive.
I do have the same thread top and bottom, but I am thinking I need to slow down on the curves (just like driving a car). I will also try adjusting the tensions. Tonight while I watch the Phillies baseball game I'm going to rip out all the bad areas so I can try again tomorrow. If tomorrow you hear maniacal screaming during the mid day think of me.