I have two plastic cone stands from Joann's, and a heavy-duty metal one (like one pictured above - don't remember where I got it). I have been using cone thread for years for sewing everything and for embroidery (if the color fits my needs) - I don't do embroidery for competitions. I have had very good luck with it. There was twice (over the years) when I had a cone where someone had knotted the thread somewhere in the winding (at the factory) and that broke, but other than that - have had beautiful luck with cone thread for everything. Love it and its prices.
Marysewfun