I just use Gutterman thread.
A regular spool goes quite a ways. I like the water erasable blue marking pen, and also the same in the Clover white for dark fabrics. Painter's tape is great for doing straight line quilting also. Echo quilting works well also....about 1/4 to 1/2" inside the block lines.
I love 505 basting spray...much better than all that pinning and holds quite well. Not sure how many days, because I don't let mine sit very long after I spray. That brand holds nicely and is safe to use indoors.
Good luck with your machine quilting.