I found a new thread - picked some up at a quilting show. It's called Molly Poly - it's 100% polyester. I used it for the first time yesterday in my HQ and I love it. It sews wonderfully smooth and doesn't seem to generate much lint. If you're interested you can find it at hunterheirloomquilting.com
I think I paid $4.95 for a 5500 yard cone.