Thwarted by a small metal object

It just looks benign.

I assure you it's not.

I am embarrassed to admit that I can't figure out how to put the bobbin in my sewing machine.

I keep doing it wrong.

Which becomes immediately evident.

My final attempt of the evening resulted in the loud bang, accompanied by a grinding noise because it was now jammed. I peered closer and realized that the needle was bent.

Oooops. Not that way.