Well, I found out that the part they sent me is just a tad off. I got it from SewClassic - I emailed the Featherweight shop and sent a photo. They told me that a reproduction part most likely needs a reproduction clamp as well.
I did clean it out with a toothpick. But thanks for the info.
I am going to take it in because the presser foot still won't meet the needle plate when I put the lever down. It's off by a fraction of an inch and I can't figure out how to adjust that. I'm just too frustrated at this point!
Thanks