Kathy is right --- NEVER use hand quilting thread in your sewing machine!! However, I have used regular polyester sewing thread for hand quilting. It's just not as thick or pretty as using cotton. Try Connecting Threads -- they have some wonderful colors for both hand and machine quilting:
http://www.connectingthreads.com/quilting+thread.html
You can also using any cotton thread and coat it with "stichers aid" or pull your threaded needle through bees wax (you can buy both at JoAnns) to help with the hand quilting. That way you have about a zillion colors to choose from. :D