I use Floriani thread and like it. It's very smooth and looks brighter/shinier than the Isacord I also use. It looks great on the stitched items. I sometimes use embroidery thread in my sewing machine since I have so much of it in so many colors. It works great there too.
I had always used Isacord because my dealer carries it. Since she now carries Floriani thread too, I tried it. I'll keep buying it.
I hate that your friend lost so much of her stock and hope everything works out for her.