feffertim, don't throw all those different colors away. They are necessary when you are appliquing. Use the same color thread as your applique piece and the stitching seems to disappear..... like magic.
I have tons of thread from years and years of sewing clothes for my kids and me.... I started sewing at 8 years of age.... 56 years ago. I love it when I find a box of thread at an estate sale or auction. At the prices of thread today it adds up in a hurry and I've rarely found of spool of thread that wasn't still strong for sewing.