Oh, My Aching Back!

I just have to show you the result of the last 3 days of sewing.  It doesn't look like much, does it?  My back sure feels it, though.  At least all the arcs are completed, if my count is right.  The rest of the work is easier on my back, but is actually more difficult sewing.

The thing is, this was the simple part of the sewing process with short, straight seams.  My sewing machine, however, has started to act up, breaking threads and driving me to distraction.  Of course, the faster I sew, the worse it gets.  I've had to really slow down. I'm not sure what is causing the problem, but I've cleaned out the dust and changed needles, and I'm not sure what else to do other than take it in for a checkup.  Before I do that, though, I want to try another type of thread and see if that's the problem.  What type of thread do you use?  I've noticed a difference in the quality of the thread that's readily available, and feel like I need to find something better.

To give my aching back a rest, I worked on some Dear Jane blocks.  Two of them have some applique which I plan to finish this evening, but here are the others.  They're not really as wonky as the picture makes them look, but I'm not very happy with the red one.  The background fabric I'm using really shows the holes when you have to take out stitches.  Also, my applique isn't very good.  We'll see...