I have been told by a sewing machine shop that the metal took a sharp hike in price and companies have added some things to the metal to be able to make it less costly for them. Which makes it softer, I ask him when I was trying to sew through some flannel. I said flannel is soft and easy for a needle. He said yes, but look at fabric it not as thick or good, needle and pins or not as hard, you need more companies are happy, just we are not. Sad fact.