I have put old wooden threads into ginger jar lamps for my sewing area...the silky threads I use to tie charity quilts and do embroidery.

I'd try out the iron on transfers to see if they work. They are for hand embroidery, I think like on a dishtowel. As others have said, test the thread. Thread on a wooden spool is easily 30 + years old. I wouldn't use it, but others might want it to collect, you could probably sell them.

mimmy 96, as far as the iron ons go they can be used forever. I've had some for over 30 years and are still good. When one gets a little light transfer then I go over it with a transfer pencil. Looks like the thread on the wood spools is tatting thread.The red ones. If you decide to get rid of the patterns or the red thread , let me know. OK?

the transfers last forever and if they don't you can buy a transfer pencil to refresh them

The prewound bobbins look like they are size L, which can be used in most domestic machines you just pop the cardboard off and use them in the bobbin holder. I use these all the time instead of winding bobbins. They hold a lot more thread than any bobbin that you can wind yourself.

The bobbins are a nylon thread that can be used for couching as a decoration, or used for hand embroidery or big stitch quilting with a needle.

I have found that with some of those older embroidery patterns that the ink no longer transfers so you will have to test them.

The paper bobbins are still available. If your machine will handle them, they save time from winding bobbins. Just pop a paper one and move right on.

Please don't throw them away. Some of us drool over things like that. Use the thread for decoration as some have suggested and the patterns could go to your public library if they sell used items. Mine does and I always stop by the needlework section to see what I can find for sale. My library even sells old clothing patterns. Love it.

They look like top stitching thread. There are some people that have been looking for it & it just isn't available easily. Years ago the top stitching thread was used in sewing garments for one as an embellishment. Every now & then I see a pattern that has called for it. Don't throw them out, I am sure someone can use them.

Well I think I will just keep my "my treasures" ... I do like embroidery, just have never used transfers.. but I am sure I will give it a try and see! :) As far as the tread... They are still in pretty good shape (thread does not break easy) so I think for now I will hang on to them!!!.. but I will keep those in mind that have asked for them if I ever do get rid of! Thank you everyone!!!

I recognize the thread on the small wooden spools - it is for top stitching or embroidery - My mom had those for top stitching back in the 1950's I would take care about breakage - 20 years ago I had to part with a large collection of my mother;s thread as it broke almost with touching - but I didn't think at the time to keep the spools . . darn!