off to try a new needle sorry for the totem posting

I think it was the needle, just changed it and did a test stitch. It even sounded smoother, no more snick sounds, and the stitches even look better, no puckering of the fabric either. WOW I must say, I did not realize that a dull needle would make such a difference.

Thank you everyone, and I hope that this thread is able to help others as well!

Yes definitely need a new needle, that is why you are getting the popping sound, for the breakage, the needle migh not be the right size for the thread you are using.

Maybe the needle is not pushed all the way up?

well it was the needle was dull

I switched it out, finished pairing up the pairs of strips, and no thread breakage (was about 25 or 30 sets of pairs.)
before it was breaking every couple of sets of pairs.

whew, glad it was nothing too serious.
Also noticed how much smoother it sews, and less puckering, and no more snicking sound, as well as it seems to sew straighter (or I am just getting used to keeping the fabric straight hehe)

ty all for your help and suggestions

You need the right needle for the type of fabric/thread you are using.

Use 11/70 or 12/80 or check your manual for type thread using.

Also check to see if there is something on the thread spool that is catching the thread Sometimes the little cut on the spool will catch the thread. If so, reverse the thread spool on the thread holder.

As soon as you hear the popping sound - change your needle as it is an indication that it is already overdue.

if you had needle popping be sure to look for burs on anything that bent needle was hitting - then polish off any burrs

Any time that my machine is not acting right in any way, be it the tension, thread breaking, funny sounds, etc. I do FOUR things...... I redo the bobbin (taking it out and putting it back in), I rethread the top, clean the bobbin case and top area with a brush; and I change the needle. SO often it's one or a combination of these things. Good luck.