I just received the batiks in a charm pack. It was so cheap I thought I could not resist. I think they are georgous. I bought the oranges and yellows and they are in all ranges of colors from very light to very dark. The fabric feels wonderful and I will be buying some more soon. I was told about 6 years ago about the thread and started buying it then. My Bernina Aurora is very picky and it sews just fine with their thread. I find it to be more linty than some of the more expensive brands but I just clean out the space under the needle every 3 bobbins and then always have to clean out the bobbin area every 6 bobbins used. No matter what thread I use, I clean and oil after 6 bobbins.