[Scott Douglas]

Thanks a ton guys!

I had been thinking about this last night trying to fall asleep and had convinced myself that my eyes just weren't up to the task as neither pair of my glasses (computer and reading) is the right focal length for really close work. But, this morning I decided to give the problem one more go, starting at the beginning. She'd broken a needle so I figured I'd try putting the needle in myself. Next I tried threading the needle, which is no small feat since the needle threader on this machine is not working well at all. I got that accomplished after a few tries. While doing it, I made note of the fact that when my wife was threading it, she put the thread in going right to left thru the eye. The machine threader does it left to right, so that's how I did it. Got my wife to put a bobbin in and give it a try and what do you know, IT WORKS like a CHAMP!
So, while I really appreciate the reco's for screwdrivers, I don't think I'll be purchasing any in the near future.
If I ever do get some, they will be of the hollow ground tip variety with parallel sides to the tip of the flat blade.
Again, thanks for the reco's and hope you all have a safe 'n sane Fourth of July.