One tip I remember since I read your title before opening it up was to draw a hand needle over the side of your nose, the oils make it glide though the fabric. I know sounds kinda unsanitary for these days. It was in a very old book and years ago when I used to do a lot of hand piecing, it worked when the needle was giving me fits.
The other tip was to hold a needle up to a light background before trying to thread it. It really helps to see the eye better. Also, remember that thread has a twist in it that makes the end coming off the spool the right side to thread through the needle.