Cari, I just tried your suggestion, and it worked! Many thanks!!!
Rodney, I have cleaned it as much as I can, and oiled, I am hoping that it will 'loosen up' a little with use, but we are off to a good start (I am pleasantly surprised by the stitch quality too
) (It is one of the right to left threaders, and happily has a big sticker to remind me!)
Thank you both very much for your input!