Here's my 2cents:
I say away from C&C I found that lint to be terrible!
I use alot of Essentials from Connecting Threads (still linty but not too bad) ALL colors & good prices)
I tried some Presencia 60wt. for piecing. I'm not sure if the price is justified yet.
I'm going to get some Superior/Auriful threads soon.
As for hand applique (which I love!) I get the silk 100 wt. thread. You really only need a few basic colors for everything & when you use it the stitches are invisible!!
Please stay away from 5/$1.00 thread!! They will ruin your machine!! The only thing they are good for is to hand baste something because you know you will rip the stitches out.
Hope this helps!