thank you all, it was definitely the needle, I did some sewing last night after changing it and it sewed like a dream.
It sucks being new to this stuff, but got to learn somehow, sometimes what just seems to be common sense to someone already familiar with the situation, is not common sense for someone new to it.
So please forgive me if I tend to ask stupid "I should have known" type questions. I know that if I am stuck, that someone here will be able to help, and for that, I am extremely thankful. You, all of you, is what makes this board/forum a place that people want to come to, and new sewers feel comfortable asking questions.
So.. thank you all for being you.