I recently bought a new machine and was talked into one of those large spools of thread, which I am using. I am not sure it is that helpful as I still have to stop to rewind the bobbin and then, of course, rethread the machine. What would be nice is a self-winding bobbin while sewing...do any machines have that feature? Anyway, when you buy the large spool of thread you also buy a stand to hold it. It works fine, but again, I haven't seen much advantage as yet.

OK I felt so dumb I didn't ask! Glad you did! I was given a huge grocery bag of thread being thrown away by a "sweat shop" ! I didn't have the right color thread to hand bind a quilt but found the perfect color in that bag that I had kept for at least 5 years (taking up needed space in my room and me afaraid to use it!) and tried it. Oh the joy. No twisting or knotting--just great thread. Worked great. Got really curious and discovered a label on the inside of one of the spools stated it is polyester thread. I love it and now have it all organized in a special thread box. Enough to last me forever!

Wow - when I read this the 1st time I read margarita tub... and thought I need one of those... :shock:

I have wondered about knocking it off the table using something I couldn't put way out of my way too...

I made a cone stand out of a second hand paper towel holder and installed a cup hook

You can buy a thread stand, or just put a mug behind the right side of your machine, and thread as usual.
Have had success with both~~

I didn't find the plastic cone holder at all up to the job, now I have two metal ones (one for each machine) I wind several bobbins before I start when I am going to be quilting. The chief advantage is cost. I got five cones yesterday, each with 5000 metres on it (longer than 5000 yards) and they cost €3.50 each, (about $5.00 each.)

Interesting idea. I have a cheap cone stand that I am not thrilled with.

I do several bobbins ahead too. Can't believe how quickly I go thru them.

I have the ez winder. Love it.

My dad made several that I gave to some of my lady friends and all he did was have a small circle of wood, took an old wire hander and cut off a piece about 10 inches long. made a loop on one end and made a hole to stnad it in and also put a wood dowel or short stick in another hole and we could use all the big cones we wanted to. I put a smalled cone inside so that it doesn't wiggle all over and yes I have been using this kind of thread for years ever since DH bought a big box at an auction sale for 17.50. I gave my DD in NY some, my MOM some and still have some. I have had to go and buy white, but have enough of the colored thread for forever. I also bought all the thread in the essentials pkg from Connecting Thread. So have ever color needed to use on tops of quilts also. They all match or there is a neutral color that I can use. I have NEVER had thread go bad on me. Why would it if you keep in dry and not where mice can get at it? Quilts wouldn't last as long as they do if the thread wasn't any good!!!! Quality thread should last forever.
I also have the side winder. I have a number of bobbins and when I am going to do a project I load up a lot of bobbins at least 10 to make sure all I have to do is stop and pull the empty and in with a full one. Works wonderful, have done my sewing like this for years. Used to make clothes and other things. Did not like to stop and wind another bobbin. Bobbins weren't that expensive back then. I just bought a pkg of 100 on EBAY for my FW, so that I can do the same with her.