Thank you for the info Sharon! I think it would be helpful for me at this point to start a notebook with notes as to what I've tried, what works and what doesn't. I haven't tried microtex needles yet. I think most of my thread is a mix. I have thread that I purchased at my LQS. Not on cones, but bigger than regular spools. I'll be darned if I can remember the brand. I think it may be 100% cotton, but not totally sure. Will have to give them a call so I know what I have as I start experimenting.