I have a simple metal stand now, but with my older Janome I used a jar and taped a safety pin to the side of the machine to guide the thread. This worked great and simple.

I use the cones all the time. I just place a drinking straw from over the holder to make it taller. I do prefer the McDonalds straws as they are a little bigger.

I have a janome and I just put a plastic straw (cut the length I need) over the upright pin. Works great and is really cheap.

Actually, 2-thread poly threads are very strong - stronger than cotton. Thus, you may want to think about what they might do to your quilt over time. I used serger thread to piece quilts for many years UNTIL one of the quilts my family cuddled with for TV-watching began to tear at the pieced seams. The thread was cutting the fabric. The stitches were intact. Since then, I've become a cotton thread piecer, and my fav is Aurifil - the least linty I've found. I started with Connecting Threads, but it REALLY linted up my machine. Sorry CT fans. Aurifil has very little lint.

At last something cheaper in Australia! $3.99 for that at the local fabric chain Spotlight.

I have the same problem, solved it by using a spool of thread ( by Coats/135 yds ) just fits inside the cone, push in tight then put on thread spindle. Works great. Good Luck

I use this one http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/...d-stand-metal/

Its even cheaper at this website: http://www.purplemoosedesigns.com/store.php?cat=32
I use this one for quilting bee, its nicely made, has a heavy bottom plate. Its all metal.
Sharon

I use a cone with my Janome 6600 on the regular spool. No problem.

You all have solved my problem. About a month ago I bought a cone spool of Aurifil, not realizing my Janome isn't set-up for a cone. Yesterday, because of all your suggestions, I taped the safety pin on back of machine and put thread in a cup - but the spool doesn't sit perfectly upright. Guess I will buy a canning jar, or try the straw idea. I am concerned, though, about winding a bobbin. Also do you need to use a smaller stitch length - I sew with the factory setting of 2.2. Thanks all.