Fabric Depot usually has black & white spools for .99. They also have regular generous sales. I learned the hard way about using inferior or old products. But, my best deal was a laundry going out of business. I picked up a bunch of the big cones...odd grays & browns but also red, purple & blues. Brand new in the wrappers. They were fifty cents each! I have to fill bobbins to use them every once in a while, I just load up a bunch of them. Was a time I wouldn't have bothered but, once I sit down at my machine, it's easy. Now if I can just use them up before they (or me) get too old.