Larry - put some 1/16" dowels on either side of the needle center, then use two small screwdrivers across the dowels and under the center of the needle and against the shaft that the needle is on to pry up on the needle. You might want to have a helper next to you to watch where the needle flies when it comes loose, it lets go all of a sudden and usually ricochets off the ceiling when it does. If you have the dowels that are serving as fulcrums very close to the needle, it usually doesn't fly so far when it comes off. also look close at the needle, it usually has a sleeve that fits down on the pivot and it is best to get the screwdriver tips under the bottom of that sleeve.
Cheers,