i went and pulled out the needle...indeed bent, just enough to stop working, and just not enough for my poor eyes to see.
the top loading thing is just a feature i like on the brother...and my next machine irregardless will be a kenmore...my boy-thing's grandmother gifted her vintage one to us, works like a charm...when i use it (he apparently doesnt have "the touch")
time to re-adjust and clean...and maybe finish this tonight...as now i get to deal with other much more grave bad news.
nothing some knitting/spinning/quilting wont get me through.