well it was the needle was dull
I switched it out, finished pairing up the pairs of strips, and no thread breakage (was about 25 or 30 sets of pairs.)
before it was breaking every couple of sets of pairs.
whew, glad it was nothing too serious.
Also noticed how much smoother it sews, and less puckering, and no more snicking sound, as well as it seems to sew straighter (or I am just getting used to keeping the fabric straight hehe)
ty all for your help and suggestions