Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I got some very very fine sandpaper, and smoothed out the throat plate. I did try a size 16 jeans needle, and my thread kept fraying, so I went back to a 14 quilting needle, and I did not break a needle at all. When I told my dh about some of the suggestions, he liked the sandpaper idea, so that was one of the first things I tried this morning.
This board is wonderful with so many knowledgeable people on it.
Thanks again