I would use the silk for embroidery for hand or machine sewing. The varigated thread is beautiful and being from France, it was very expensive. I would use it on my Viking embroidery machine. I am using thread left from my mother who probably had some of it since the 50's-60's and it sews just fine. I make sure I am using the correct size needle. Not having any broken thread issues with any of it and a lot of it is on wooden spools. I can't bear to throw any of my mother's things away either. Sentimental, I guess...