How timely! I've just been to 2 quilt shops today looking at hand-quilting. Joann's has a very poor selection and no hand-quilting thread unless you want Mettler or Sulkey. (sp?) metallic or embroidery. I did at the other store find John James Big Eye and saw the Hammond Big Eye. Got the Jon James. At the 20 for $2 I decided I'd try them first. Could not believe that the spiffy little LQS in out town doesn't even have any hand-quilting needles!! And no thread!