Thanks everyone-- heres what I did StacknWhack -Fish'in (quilting doesn't show to well but very happy with the stitches up close)

ball point needles are made for knits, they do not (cut) into the fabric they slide between the knit. sharps are used for quilting or cottons.
and recommendations are to change your needle with every new project or every 8 hours of sewing which ever comes first. if you get into the habit of changing your needle as recommended you will find you have more consistant stitch quality and your machine will thank you for taking good care of it.
and this applies to all sewing machines...long-arm or home machine both need regular maintenance and needle changes.