Hello everyone -- thank you for all of your responses! You kind of wonder why this was made so difficult, when the machine is so sweet and intuitive on every other level. Surely they realized that a mark or a stopping point was necessary? Or perhaps some needles that far back were of inconsistent size, and this was a helpful way of making the machine more flexible? In fact the needle that came with the machine was not a standard needle at all, but very long with no groove or thicker, round bit at the top. Perhaps it didn't even sew successfully (I didn't care -- I just WANTED that machine!).
I do have the manual and have followed it very closely in this process. In setting the shuttle the manual was a bit ambiguous, but Manicmike and Mrs.SewNSew talked me through that. The particular problem with the needle is the "insert into the needle clamp" portion of the directions. No matter what I do or adjust, I can't seem to find the "insert" point. When I do think I have it probably in the right place, the needle isn't really centered on the hole in the feed dog plate. I do wish the manual had more detailed pictures; surely other home sewists like me had problems like this 140 years ago!
I'll settle in with it again after I've done some chores, and with loving PATIENCE (typed with gritted teeth!) will work on it again. Any photos or videos anyone can post of their successes would be very welcome!
Thank you, everyone!
Ellpea, aka