Hi Doreen,
Have you tried sliding out the sponge bar and removing the needle as you would normally?
If that doesn't work you could try pulling the needle as far forward as you can and cutting off as much of it as you can with a pair of snips. Cover it with a cloth as you do this as it will probably spring away. Then you should be able to remove the rest of it.
Hope you are successful.
Regards,
Sue, September 2012