I bought the same chest at JoAnn's a couple of years ago. I thought it was too pretty to open and use but FINALLY I got the nerve to take the first spool out of the chest. The spools are small so it isn't enough to do a whole quilting project---BUT you can go and get a larger spool of thread in the same color if you want. What I have used the smaller spools for is applique projects, bindings, and hand work. I keep the major colors in my small sewing box (they are just the right size) and replentish the colors as needed. Enjoy your chest----don't take it back.