Caroline:
I'm using a Canon Power Shot A520 with all controls pretty much set on Automatic. I set it at the highest resolution, turn off the flash and set it on Macro. Then I just let the camera do the rest.
After the picture is taken I crop out what I don't want, then if needed put in a hint of "fix" and "focus" with the program that came with our old Epson printer: Photo Impression 5. The stitching of multiple pics into one is done in an older version of Photo Impact.
There are newer versions of both programs but we haven't updated them yet.
OK then, I'll take some pics of the other unidentified bobbin and post 'em in a bit.
Joe