Well, have been quilting on and off for about 20 years now. Current machine is a Janome DC 2012 just bought 11/2012. Been through 3 needles so far ( 2 size 14 and 1 blue tip top stitch) on the same quilt, small lap quilt really about 45 x 45 in, but quite a bit top 'echo quilting'. The needles are not broken, but just don't seem very sharp. Still seems (seams ! ?) that needles shouldn't get dull that quickly. I understand the 'sound' you mean when it's time for a new needle, but on my old Kenmore, I bet I made 2 or 3 quilts before changing needles.