our 2 cats leave the thread alone unless my cat wants attention then will bite at it to get mine while I'm sewing. Otherwise she curls up on my sewing or cutting table and watches. But the little one (still a kitten) loves my pin cushion and as was said before, likes to pull out the pins.
And when you're gone, chances are it won't miss you too much as it will probably sleep while you're gone, but still enjoy your company when you get back. And cats are like people, they all have different personalities so when you go to adopt, let it pick you or spend a little while observing so you can pick the one best fit for you! Good luck and please post pics!!